Advehnt Guard - Sam Kidink

4: Almighty Grasp

12:08 PM

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam is currently in what appears to be a tiny prison cell. There are metal bars on each side, and an uncomfortable looking mattress. There is a small slot that seems to be used for delivering food. The room outside the cell has room for more stuff, and seems like some kind of storage room. There is also another cage containing an unconscious Sophie Wight.

Where am I? I recall hearing about Mr. Kerloe getting caught by someone, then I passed out... That's right. He should be here, right? He's nowhere close by. And what's this place? It's nearly a prison cell, though it looks makeshift. I see. Unfortunately, it appears I'm stuck in what is perhaps the least interesting situation possible. If I continue to do nothing, I'm just going to be stuck here forever. I don't mind thinking for a little while, but I have no plans on being stuck here forever. Regardless of whether this was tied to yesterday's attempted kidnapping or not, clearly being remotely associated with Sophie, mom, the Sentasaurus, or whoever else has led to this. It's landed me in a situation where, based on the past occurrences, it's unlikely events are going to go back to normal again. Maybe I never should've tried to associate with anyone in the first place. ...I suppose It's too late to consider that now. It's as I said earlier: I have to treat this all as if it were homework. The worst thing I can do is not try to understand all of this. Perhaps I should start by summarizing the past events before taking action. However, before that... Sam checks what he has on him, most notably if he has his backpack, then looks around both inside and outside the cell for anything notable. (edited)

Sam has nothing on him. He can spot his things on a table across the room.

So, it appears that whoever was behind this was at least competent. There's nothing I can do besides think and come to conclusions. Time to get started. First, why should I care? Besides the most recent developments, even if I somehow managed to not get caught up in a situation like this, I would've done some amount of investigation. Shawn made an interesting argument earlier, but that's not the main reason. The real point of interest is these strange abilities Ehn discussed earlier, and the key incident was back at the fish store with Mr. Kerloe, Sophie, and the Sentasaurus. Back then, I was too caught up in the situation to focus on the implications, but thinking back, I saw him go outside and use this ability twice - once as a test, and another time to get to the hospital. That's impossible to stage without going far beyond my comprehension, and regardless of the answer, it's far outside the realm of normal possibilities. So, no matter how I proceed, there's a permanent risk in my life going forward, and I have no choice but to accept it. Flight is relatively basic, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were more unusual - and more dangerous - abilities out there. Hopefully no one can read my thoughts, for example. ...Anyway, I doubt Ehn only contacted us specifically. Between her lack of knowledge on our supposed assigned abilities and her established rules, it's clear this goes beyond just the three of us at the fish store. Speaking of which, Ehn herself is unusual, but ultimately, her identity is irrelevant. I see her as a dog, but the Sentasaurus thought she was a cat, and Mr. Kerloe probably saw her as a fish or whatever else. Either way, she's not threatening on her own, just annoying, and I doubt she'll come back anyway. I might as well try, just in case. I'm sure she can hear anything she wants to, so she might respond even here. Sam whispers "Ehn? Are you there?" in an extremely neutral tone. ((the last line is the only action here)) (edited)

No response.

Right. She said she didn't care about my next actions, so I doubt that would've helped me escape. Not that it matters. It's more important for me to understand these abilities. Who even gets them? I have to assume it's only people who've been in contact with Ehn. She only entered the fish store after Sophie left, and there was no reason not to give her an ability considering her situation, unless I'm missing something. Besides Mr. Kerloe and the Sentasaurus, Lelouch is a likely candidate since Ehn knew her. Ray had a crowbar earlier for no apparent reason, so that could be an item. ...Earlier, I assumed the Sentasaurus' ability really was flight. However, something only I seem to know puts that into question: he flew in carrying Mr. Kerloe before his ability was even directly established by Ehn. What even happened between them? I should ask Mr. Kerloe if I get the chance. Anyway, either the Sentasaurus got this ability earlier and Ehn never had a different chance to talk about it, or there's a catch. Perhaps there's a secondary effect to his ability, or it's not flight altogether? Perhaps the abilities aren't actually tied to the objects. Similarly, Mr. Kerloe's fish regenerated, but that's probably just a side effect of whatever it actually does, if anything. ...I have no idea. Maybe I forgot something like I usually do, or the Sentasaurus is that incomprehensible. Either way, I have to test my fish when I get out of here. ...I should make sure I'm not overthinking this. Sam checks the cell door and tries to open it in case it's been unlocked the whole time. (edited)

It's locked.

Of course, it wasn't that simple. Imagine if I really had overthought that. Not that I don't already do enough of that. ...This is hardly the type of situation I'd like to be thinking in. If I could walk around somewhere, that would be nice, but going in circles in this cell just isn't the same. Actually, why did I end up here? I said I got associated with the wrong people, but that's hardly an explanation. There's been three incidents so far. The first involved the white suits. Who were they? In theory, whatever connections Naomi has could be related, but she never brought up the incident over the phone, so I doubt this. Wilfred- er, Wilford - Shawn's dad - could be relevant, but I'd have to ask him first, and as much as I'd like to know, that's not my business. Despite going after me earlier, they were gone after I left, and Shawn said they had a specific list of people. Either they gave up, or they were somehow forced to leave, especially since the victims did escape. But Shawn didn't say the police came... I'll come back to this later. The second incident involved the Sentasaurus, Sophie, and that Team 9 member, Jackson. Presumably, the Sentasaurus and Jackson had some sort of falling out, and Sophie got caught in the crossfire. Maybe I'll ask later, but I doubt I could get anything out of her if I tried. ...Wait, I got shot! How have I managed to ignore this for so long? Did Ehn fix it somehow? Is it related to my ability? ...Actually, it didn't feel like Jackson was trying to kill me at all; he was confused as the rest of us. Why would that be? I don't know. Like everything surrounding the Sentasaurus, it all feels like nonsense. If he was more like Mr. Kerloe and had truly deep statements behind his normal words, that would be nice. I have to admit that the Sentasaurus probably has some clear goal in mind, but either way I won't ever understand it. Are either of them here? Sam says "Mr. Kerloe? Sentasaurus? Are you there?" to no one really. (edited)

"Who're you talking to?" The guy who abducted Sam entered the room(not the cell) through a door.

I alerted someone... I probably shouldn't have said anything. Speaking of which, that third incident. I know it was a concerted effort to capture me and Sophie, but Mr. Kerloe was probably part of it too. Right, I was knocked out from behind! Someone else was there besides this guy, but I never saw who they were. Shawn said the first two incidents were related, but I'm not sold on that; however, this third incident is almost certainly related to the original kidnapping in the truck, considering the scale of the operation. I should be careful in how I answer. I'll just ask simple questions. "...No one. I just woke up. How are you doing? How long am I meant to stay here?" (edited)

"Until we figure out how to deal with you."

...I haven't done anything, though? Is this really about the house incident? If I could figure out what he knows about either of the other two incidents, that would help... "Well, I've done nothing. What, did I break into a house and get fined? Is this a police station?" "...Actually, what is this place? A storeroom? A truck?" (edited)

"Don’t worry about it. It won’t end up mattering." He started going through Sam's things. "See, usually we’d just kill you and dump you in the river. But you 2 are just too important to just die off. So either I get cleared to dump your corpses in the river, or you’ll be getting a more permanent stay in a special facility. You get it now?"

...So Mr. Kerloe and the Sentasaurus definitely aren't here, and he's not answering my questions. Whoever this is, they know what they're doing. Actually, he definitely knows who Mr. Kerloe is, right? I could ask about that. "Unfortunately, I don't 'get it now'. I don't see how I've done anything important, and honestly, I'd rather just die than be stuck somewhere being bored forever. So, I don't know about Sophie, but you're free to kill me. I'm giving you permission, just in case whoever you're working for asks." "Also, I'll save you the time checking my backpack: there's a laptop and notebook. And a water bottle, if you want that, though I was hoping to return it to the fish store. Speaking of which, if you're not going to answer questions about me, you could at least tell me what happened to the fish store owner."

"Why do you have a raw fish in it?"

...I figured he would've seen that, though I was hoping he wouldn't. I can get out of this, though. "Oh, that. Yeah, I was hoping to return that to the fish store too. I like seared fish and all, but I'm a less competent cook than I was hoping." (edited)

He pulled out the fish. "You ever have sushi? I’m usually strictly pro-American food, but the fish on that just hits a different itch, you know?"

"I have. You know, you can order sushi from that fish store you were at. It's quite good."

"Consider me a regular. Hav knows me well enough." He just took a bite of fish like it was an apple. The part he’d bitten into instantly grew back.

...So this fish also has that property. Great. Now this guy knows as well. Well, I'm sure its actual ability isn't that, so this is fine. "Then why kidnap him? Also, did you just eat raw fish? I saw Mr. Kerloe do that in the past, but he's... different. What's your name, anyway?" (edited)

"Hell's in this thing?" He punched the wall, leaving a large dent.

...If he's a regular at Kerloe Fishery, perhaps I could ask for his name later. I'm sure some of the customers are interesting people, but personally, eating raw fish just seems entirely nonsensical. "I don't know! I'm sure the owner knows, assuming he's not already dead."

"Hav's fine."

"...Wasn't it just earlier that you said he was occupied?"

"I never implied he was dead or anything."

"Well then, what's he doing? Eating raw fish?"

"At this hour? Sleeping, I’d wager."

...With the fishes, probably. Well, whatever he's up to is none of my concern. So, I guess it's nighttime. Maybe it's already Thursday. ...I briefly considered the thought of the fish giving some sort of strength ability, but this guy is probably just strong. When Mr. Kerloe ate the fish earlier, not much happened. Plus, that would be a very uninteresting ability, so even that's correct, I'd look for something else. "I guess that makes sense. By the way, I didn't get your name earlier."

"Why does that matter?"

'You're a regular at the fish store' would've been a good response, but I haven't claimed to frequent the fish store, so bringing that up wouldn't help. Then again, if he really is a regular, he's probably seen me before. I'll be safe, though. "Why not? I might as well know who I'm talking to for the last few hours of my life."

"The girl, I’d wager. I’ve got better things to do today."

Is your name really that important? Whatever. It's clear he's not answering much. "I'd still like to have a way to refer to you. If I do have to talk to her, then discussing 'the guy who kidnapped us' is a bit cumbersome. You can give a pseudonym if you want."

"...By the way, if you're not taking them, could I at least have the water bottle and the fish? Might as well have something to eat, at least. Even if it's raw fish." (edited)

"You’ll have your meal later." He tossed the fish back in the bag. "Let’s hope for you you get a good result from the boss." He left.

There he goes. Hopefully the result is the one I want, and not the one where I get stuck somewhere forever. What can I call him if not that? Maybe 'Guy X' will suffice for now. Because I don't know who he is. ...All of that was pointless. What was I even thinking about earlier? Right, the incidents. I couldn't determine anything from this conversation, but this third incident is more than likely related to the second incident. Perhaps mom could've gotten in trouble, but if that were the case, I have no clue why Sophie would end up here. Perhaps the Sentasaurus was involved as well? Or Wilford? It's impossible for me to know. ...If I would rather die soon instead of get locked up somewhere, is there really a point in figuring this out? Well, I might as well if my situation isn't changing soon. Two possibilities come to mind. If this was related to the Sentasaurus or Team 9, I was hoping it might be a prank, but I have to concede that something serious occurred. As much as I hate to admit it, it was true that the Sentasaurus needed a hospital, and what happened was unfortunately real, despite what Mr. Kerloe says. regarding the window, I can only assume he wasn't paying attention. Perhaps they kidnapped people for views. In regards to this, I could search through their channels more for similar incidents, if they exist. Did the Team 9 guys have white suits? In any case, this line of thinking isn't helpful. The other possibility is related to Ehn. I recall the police didn't come, but the white suits had to disperse anyway. They must have been forced to leave. It's likely that some other large group intervened, but Shawn didn't mention such a thing. ...If it's not that, then the information I have now suggests one option: they were rescued by someone or some people with abilities given by Ehn. Between Ehn asking me to personally save Sophie and the lack of news regarding that first incident, she may have had involvement in that case. (edited)

2:32 PM

So, who did it? Three possibilities come to mind, and figuring out who is very important. I should certainly pay attention around people who may have abilities. The first candidate is Lelouch. One of the people Shawn interviewed was a white suit covered in bandages, and he was seen with Lelouch at some point. Either he failed to capture Lelouch and was punished, or he betrayed them. I know the butler - Gus - shot the guy, but if his face was 'covered in bandages', clearly extra damage was done. This supports the idea that Lelouch has an ability, so it's possible she saved them. However, it's unlikely since Ehn said Lelouch was also kidnapped somewhere else. Perhaps Sophie was in a similar situation? She may have been caught, escaped, then was caught again. This would connect the two incidents. Second, Ray and Shawn could've been involved, being the first responders to the scene. Ray had a crowbar in the morning on the same day of the incident, so it's possible he knew about it in advance. Shawn didn't seem as on board, so perhaps Ray did something without Shawn's knowledge, unless they were in on it together. ...Either way, they knew Lelouch, so it's possible that all three of them were involved, too. The third possibility is someone I don't know. ... What am I even accomplishing by going over this? Seriously. I'm glad I came to a conclusion, but their lives aren't going to matter to me now. I can't test the fish, I can't talk to anyone, I can't search anything online, and I can't write any of this down. ... "Sophie? Are you awake?" Sam whispers this. ((this is the only action taken in this text wall)) (edited)

She’s still unconscious.

Nothing. Whatever happened to her was probably worse than my situation, and there's nothing left for me to reason out. It's not like I'm able to get the fish into the cell or any other crazy options. What else can I do? Try a more pointless escape? Perhaps it'll help pass the time... I'm sure there's a game like this. Just in case, Sam attempts to stick the mattress through the bars. If this succeeds, he also sees if it can reach the table (while being held).

The mattress is too thick.

2:59 PM

Sophie finally got up. "...Hm?"

"Hi, Sophie. I've been doing ridiculous things attempting to escape this place. That's all. Yesterday was okay. How are you? Any idea where we are?"

She let out a yelp, and moved to the opposite side of her cell from Sam. "What the hell?"

"I'm also stuck here. Some guy came in earlier and said this:"

See, usually we’d just kill you and dump you in the river. But you 2 are just too important to just die off. So either I get cleared to dump your corpses in the river, or you’ll be getting a more permanent stay in a special facility. You get it now?

"So, that's the situation. Do you recognize him?" Sam describes Guy X.

"He kidnapped me last night... Said his name was... Jeff Johnner, I think?"

Based on past conversations, getting straight to the point was the correct approach here. I'm glad it worked out. Of course, me figuring out how to get information from Sophie won't help me escape at all. I'll have to ask Mr. Kerloe about this 'Jeff Johnner' later. "That hardly sounds like a name. I tried to ask him for it, but he said nothing. Anyway, I'll ask again. Any ideas on how to escape this place? I ran out of ideas a while ago." (edited)

"I just woke up. What the hell do you expect me to do?" (edited)

...If I ever ask Mr. Kerloe, that is. "Nothing, really. I was just wondering. If not that, we can discuss whatever happened with the Sentasaurus, or any of the other incidents that have happened this week. Or we can do nothing, though for once I'd rather avoid that."

"Right. So I'm just supposed to be a tool for your entertainment when it's convenient." She groaned, and sat down on her mattress.

"Do you think I enjoy being stuck here? Any information is useful in escaping this place. That's all."

"But god forbid I ask anything of you."

"...Fine, we'll do it that way, then. You can ask me questions first." I won't have to tell the truth, but chances are it will probably be useful.

"I don't have any questions. I mean that I called for help a bunch, and it took you hours. I almost died!"

...Great. I've locked myself into addressing this again. I don't think I did anything wrong, though. I know if I were to ask anyone I know for help, I wouldn't expect a response. "Sorry? My phone was off for a while, and clearly Jackson had no intentions of killing anyone besides the Sentasaurus. That's not the point, though. You could've asked anyone besides a random high schooler for help, like your parents or the police or whoever else. What was I supposed to do? Get shot? In fact, I actually did get shot."

"Yeah, because you ran in like an idiot." She didn't address the rest.

...Is it possible she specifically decided against asking anyone else? I doubt it. "In order to save you, yes. And what, were you told to specifically ask me to come?"

"The only person who decides what I do is myself!"

"And you really thought I was the most likely person to respond and succeed?"

"You'd be surprised." She said that with less intensity than before.

Well, considering what I would've done, that's... This isn't worth thinking about, actually. Now that I think about it, she could've asked Lelouch too. I forgot to bring that up, but that'll have to wait. "...Well, if I was kidnapped, I would probably at least ask some random adult I know first. Like that fish store owner, maybe. You can walk around the city and find any number of people willing to help you out in the future, more so than some other people." "I called the police first, and they never came, so perhaps you have a point."

"...Ugh."

"...You know, the Sentasaurus supposedly got in trouble a few hours before I was knocked out. He called me about it. Something about 'The Grandmaster'."

"What the hell is a grandmaster?"

"Someone who plays chess, probably. In any case, I didn't go. Otherwise, I likely wouldn't be here."

"...Hm."

"I called Shawn about it. The other guy in the classroom. Maybe he was able to learn something, or maybe he ignored it. ...Or maybe he got shot in the shoulder too."

"Ugh. He’s Kite's friend. Probably another disgusting creep."

I do actually wonder what happened to him, though. Presumably he went with Ray and maybe Lelouch. If abilities were at play, I'm sure they succeeded. That's good, right? I managed to get the Sentasaurus saved without intervening. When I called him, I hadn't come up with this theory, though. It was because he said he wanted to save people... Practically speaking, did that make sense? ...Besides mom's possible connections, is that why I was given this chance as well? Ehn's gone, so maybe I'll never understand the reason. It's no use anymore, after all. "...Well, he did seem to disagree with Ray, so maybe he's better. He knew Lelouch, so perhaps the three of them went to save the Sentasaurus together."

She tensed up at Lelouch’s name. "Can you please stop bringing up those types of creeps."

4:34 PM

"Everywhere, I’m just eye candy for delusional morons."

From what I know, I'm sure she genuinely cares, but perhaps I really do have no idea what goes around school. Well, this explains why she never called Lelouch. ...It's best to avoid this topic, and I doubt I'll be able to ask anything else that matters. "...Sure. Well, at this point I'd ask what you found out regarding the Sentasaurus or anything else this past week, but I guess I'm in no position to push it." Sam sits down on the mattress in his cell.

"I don’t know anything. And I don’t care. I just hate to see people trapped."

...Let's assume Sophie genuinely has no clue why the Sentasaurus intervened. If this is true, then something greater has to be going on, right? I can't do anything about that, of course. "Well, I'm not a fan of this either. As I said, I'm simply out of ideas, and it's unlikely anything else will happen. ...Not much we can do besides wait, then." (edited)

"…Yeah." After a pause, she spoke up again. "You said he mentioned something about us being too important, right? What did he mean by that?"

"I wouldn't know. I didn't know who he was until you said his name, and I can't say I know what his plan was. He did mention a 'boss', though, so presumably he's just following orders."

"Hm…" She laid back on the mattress. "Do you think… It’s because of my father?"

...What, does he have mafia connections too? How much of this nonsense do I not know? Should I bring that up? If I push this topic without elaborating, she might drop it. ...There's really is no point in hiding much in these last few hours. "Well, I don't know anything about him. What, does he have mafia connections or something?"

"How the hell should I know!? But I’m assuming highschool kids aren’t what they’re afraid of."

Maybe not? Then why bring him up? "Probably. How could your father be related to this at all, though? The past few incidents have appeared to be nonsense to me, at least."

"That doesn’t matter to you."

"...Well, regarding what I just said, my mom supposedly does. That's just what the Sentasaurus claimed, of course, so it may be his usual nonsense. Whatever she does or doesn't do isn't my concern, really."

"Your mom?"

Is bringing this up a bad idea? Probably not. That's her problem. "...Yes, supposedly the Sentasaurus knew who she was."

"I don’t care what he knew."

5:36 PM

"Stop bringing him up."

"Well then, yes, my mom. Supposedly. I'm saying it this way because I don't know."

"Oh."

"Does this change your answer earlier? Is your dad really irrelevant to this entire situation?"

"No. Like I said, I figured it’d be him. I just didn’t want it to be."

I can guess why, but I'll avoid commenting on it. Perhaps it really is a similar situation. "I see."

"Can you stop fucking judging me? You don’t say much, but I can just tell you’re thinking about how pathetic and terrible I am."

That's not the case at all, but I doubt I can change this perception... I'll just keep considering the situation. "No, I'm not, but think what you want. ...I'm mostly trying to figure out how any of this makes sense. Let's say either of our parents were involved in what's happening. If I were in Jeff's boss' position, I would just kill whoever's being held hostage instead of going through all this trouble."

"Plus, it has to have been hours now. What sort of problems would even lead to a delay this long? ...If I was doing any better, I wouldn't be here."

"Maybe we're not the real focus. Maybe we'll be stuck here for days. Can't be worse than home, anyway."

Home? I'm outside most of the day, so it's hardly relevant to me, but perhaps her situation is worse. I'm sure there are many people in worse situations than me, after all. Is that why she wanted to go to the park on Monday? ...I'm just tired. None of this is going to help, and I'm not getting anywhere either way. "...Ideally, I'd still prefer to have a normal day and go outside somewhere, but perhaps this isn't any worse than hypothetically staying at home all day. Still, just because this may be better doesn't make it good. I'd definitely rather be somewhere outside right now. ...I think dying quickly is better than getting stuck somewhere forever." (edited)

"Can you really be sure that's the case? I mean... When you die, won't you just be trapped in heaven or hell? Wherever you are, it's still a cage."

"I don't believe in either of those, but even so, it would be better than nothing. I mean, once you find a good schedule, I'm all for repeating it over and over. That's what I do. I just walk around the city all the time. ...Perhaps this city is itself a cage, but enough happens around here that I don't mind. I try to keep to a normal routine, but every day still ends up different, and it's those differences that keep it interesting." "...I doubt staying here will lead to anything happening."

"I guess that's the benefit of being a man. Wherever I go, it's still the same. Lelouch, Kite, whoever decides to fetishize me... They all find me anyway. Eventually, I guess I sort of gave up. But here you are, bragging about how varied and interesting your life is, like you actually have to deal with anything. You're just a pathetic kid who's worst pain is simple boredom."

"On the contrary, I hardly find anything interesting. ...Otherwise, I wouldn't be looking in the first place. Since I don't need to talk to anyone on most days, I simply don't. It would carry the risk of getting involved in a situation I don't want or care for. Unfortunately, it appears this situation happened regardless of my choices." "If you haven't found any better ways of going about life, then I'm sure there still has to be a way out. I'd recommend avoiding talking to anyone, really. No one can cause you problems if you just ignore everyone. And if you can't go home, find some place to frequent like the library." "...Well, I suppose no advice from my perspective could help if what you're saying is true. Still, if I could help you get a normal routine, maybe I would. Based on this week, I'm starting to accept that I'm not getting my normal routine back anyway, even if I get out of here." Admittedly, the main reason I'm giving advice out is because Sophie has given an interesting story. It's clear that her usual days aren't ideal for her, which definitely goes against my preconceptions. I figured she was just another one of the few types of students at school. ...Perhaps I'd like to specifically help interesting people in general get enjoyable day-to-day lives.

"I don't want a normal routine. In fact, I already had one. Picking between that and this, I'd still pick this."

"An enjoyable normal routine. One preferably better than 'this'."

"What's so bad about this? I mean... Obviously, I get that we've been kidnapped and could die but... Don't you prefer to just... Be free of people you hate?"

I don't like my mom, but she doesn't interfere in anything I do. The Sentasaurus is annoying and incomprehensible, but I'm able to ignore him. "...I guess I just can't say I hate anyone in particular. Even so, would you really say this is good? Perhaps you're now free from dealing with... those people, but what's your plan now?"

"I'm not really the planning type. But even if we escaped, what would happen? They'd just chase us right back down, over and over again. We both know we can't escape here for any reasonable stretch of time, so what's there to run back to? I've got nothing back outside there."

"Well, it's as I said. I'd find a way to get a good routine back eventually. Getting out of this city, changing my name, dressing up in a dinosaur costume, whatever works, really. As long as it's enjoyable, at least." "Even if I was somehow unable to guarantee a good outcome for myself, I could at least help other people have more interesting days. Or at least normal days. Watching that might be fun." "...At any rate, I'd rather not be at a 'permanent facility'. I like meeting all sorts of different people around the city, at least on average. Being forced to talk with the same people all the time isn't appealing."

"If I could just find 1 person who wasn't awful... I think I could be satisfied with just that for now."

8:57 PM

A man entered the room, carrying 2 trays of food. "Breakfast time." ((End session))

8:57 PM

((Sorry that was a long one))

((don't worry this was fun))

((Session on Saturday))

((funny story, I unfortunately probably can't make specifically saturday for this week and the next))

((@Ehn/PC yeah I have confirmed I cannot make this saturday oops))

((Yeah I read))

((oops sorry))

((Okay if you actually can participate this would be useful. Can you or is it still no))

((if it works better for you then I don’t mind participating now. as in yeah I can)) (edited)

((Awesome))

3:02 PM

A man entered the room, carrying 2 trays of food. "Breakfast time."

…A completely different guy. I suppose multiple people are involved in all of this. Sophie was right, something ‘important’ really is happening, as much as that’s inconvenient for me. Might as well try to get his name anyway… Sam turns towards the man. “Hi. Thanks. By the way, what’s your name?” He also tries to see if this guy either has a white suit or the same suit Jeff was wearing earlier.

Just a boring brown suit. "You're wasting your time." He slid the trays through the slots, and headed back for the exit.

…These people are boring. At least when I’m going about town, people give me their names… “Well, there’s no harm in knowing… Fine, whatever.” He first checks what food is there in case something is clearly off, then proceeds to eat in relative silence if there’s nothing wrong.

The guy left.

Sam continues eating until he is done with breakfast. It was an okay breakfast. After that, Sam sits in silence for a little while, then inspects the tray to see if it could be useful in any way.

I really don’t have anything better to do, do I? “Well, I guess this ‘temporary’ location has lasted longer than average”, he says, facing a wall so as to not clearly initiate a conversation if Sophie doesn’t want one, but still leaving the option open.

Sentasaurus and the man with the food entered the room again.

((do I go to the shared channel?)) ((https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/980254352247771139/1008096612805005412)) (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / bob-and-sam

Sam turns to the Sentasaurus. “Hey, it’s you. Are you working for these people? Or did you come to bring some oreos too? Not my usual breakfast choice, but if you’re going to be the third uninteresting person to enter the room today, you should at least do something useful.” Then he turns to Sophie. “Did you suspect this might happen?”

"So, who are you two"?

"Are you actually kidding me? After everything you've done to me, you can't even remember me?" Sophie.

“You already know, and for the sake of clarity, you also know who she is. What, did you fall after trying to fly?” …Perhaps I’m being too harsh. If he really did lose his memory, making him remember could be my ticket out. Though, even if he helps… “…Well, anyway, do you know the other guy?”

"Hey. Why the hell would someone eat oreos for breakfast, what". (edited)

“Who knows? You would, though.”

3:41 PM

"But seriously, do you know the guy in the brown suit or not? What do you even remember? Who are you?" (edited)

"Sorry, but the only person here I know is me, heheh".

“Then why did he walk in with you?”

Bob Smith

"Sorry, but the only person here I know is me, heheh".

"I mean, probably. I'm the Elusive Sentasaurus. Real name who cares".

“Speaking of which, he’s been awfully quiet. Hey, brown suit. Are you even awake?”

"Brown suit man is named Gordon. One of you two is probably named Kidink too, though I have no idea which, because that doesn't even sound like a real name!" (edited)

"I'm wide awake." Gordon.

"Of course, maybe I'm not him. I mean, people are their memories, aren't they? If someone can't recall or found their personality on the sum of their past experience, that person might as well have died."

Bob Smith

"Brown suit man is named Gordon. One of you two is probably named Kidink too, though I have no idea which, because that doesn't even sound like a real name!" (edited)

"Neither of us has that name. She's Sophie. …I'm Shawn Elliot." "Last I recall, you said you were 'Bob Smith'. If that’s even a real name either." ((sam - read 2 messages: https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/979770545082093568/1008098677308543057)) (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam tries to whisper to Sophie. “Do you think he’s associated with them, or is he here for a different reason? And is it possible he lost his memory?” ((https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/980254352247771139/1008099675045363752)) (edited)

"I don't know, and honestly I don't care. I just want him to leave me alone."

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / bob-and-sam

"You're actually deranged." Sophie.

"Kidink's supposed to be let go, right? That's the arrangement".

3:48 PM

"See, I'm getting it"!

3:50 PM

"Bob? No, it should be Nathan."

Gordon fell over in shock.

"Probably do look pretty crazy right now, haha. Sorry. Honestly, I've been having a pretty lousy day. Though I have probably been having a worse day."

3:58 PM

"Honestly, this is nothing short of a miracle right now. Odds of one person from seven billion... And it's someone you know, kind of."

3:59 PM

"If this were a movie, I'd probably get annoyed at a contrivance."

What? And not Sophie? I can leave, right? But does it really make sense to just leave Sophie here? She said she didn’t mind, but… I can’t let his statement slide. “Well, ‘Bob Smith’ - or, I suppose, Nathan - I don’t know what happened to you, but you don’t know anything. I myself admit that if I had the choice, I would leave right now and escape somewhere and start living a new life, seeing as I highly doubt you would really let either of us escape just like this. …If I left, I’d probably end up back here eventually. However, even if I did start anew, I would retain my personality, because otherwise I would not be the person willing to make that decision in the first place! You don’t just become a new person in the process. That might as well be dying.” “You’re right, you’re currently being a completely different personality. But, in that case, you’re not the Sentasaurus at all. …You don’t have the right to say you’re him.” “So, does Bob Smith come to mind or not? Who was he?” (edited)

Yeah, the Sentasaurus is in like, two different layers of imprisonment right now. Three if you count the suit. Are you implying Bob Smith is responsible for your captivity? That would be inexplicable, given he, by which I mean me, has been restrained and put in a cell. Also, leaving a place obviously doesn't make you a different person. That's dumb."

Naomi Kidink entered the room. "Are you all needlessly slow, or what? Open the cell and let him out."

“…So you’re here too. Can’t wait to hear about your involvement in this.” He doesn’t directly address Naomi Kidink in this statement.

Bob Smith

“Well, leaving your memories behind is equally as pointless as leaving a place, then.”

"I'm a little tied up at the moment, sorry."

Gordon went to Sam's cell, and unlocked it. "You can leave now. Your stuff's over there."

"I'm certainly not going to dispute that this is pointless. But maybe it won't be, later on. Shawn Elliot... I'll remember that."

“In more ways than one, I imagine. Anyway, if you could leave, Sophie would prefer to not have to deal with people she hates, so I’ll leave once all of you do.” He picks up all his belongings and puts everything in his backpack, then waits.

Bob Smith

"I'm a little tied up at the moment, sorry."

((in reply to this))

"You're the only one leaving, Sam. After all the trouble I went through to get you out, you owe me some gratitude you ungrateful child." Naomi.

4:17 PM

"Wait! Then let me out too! I'm not getting stuck with this lunatic!" Sophie.

Bob Smith

"I'm certainly not going to dispute that this is pointless. But maybe it won't be, later on. Shawn Elliot... I'll remember that."

“I’m sure you’ll find that name useful later when you go around looking for a totally different person.”

Ehn/PC

"You're the only one leaving, Sam. After all the trouble I went through to get you out, you owe me some gratitude you ungrateful child." Naomi.

“And this dinosaur guy is going in instead? I wouldn’t subject anyone to that. And it wasn’t even my fault I ended up here.”

4:20 PM

“I was hoping to leave right away at first, but if I’m still going to have to deal with all of you and I can’t just start a new life, then that wouldn’t suit my daily routine at all.”

"True, I'll also be looking for the Elusive Sentasaurus. I guess the joke of the name is the difficulty of that, huh?"

"Oh will you stop being so ridiculous? You have to wait for your mother to bail you out, and all you can respond with is pathetic teenage rebellion. Typical." Naomi.

Bob Smith

"True, I'll also be looking for the Elusive Sentasaurus. I guess the joke of the name is the difficulty of that, huh?"

“Well, nonexistent things are elusive, after all.”

Ehn/PC

"Oh will you stop being so ridiculous? You have to wait for your mother to bail you out, and all you can respond with is pathetic teenage rebellion. Typical." Naomi.

“I never asked to be bailed out by anyone else. If I could’ve found a solution on my own, at least that would’ve been entertaining. But I suppose I don’t even get to have that.” Sam walks back next to the cell, but not inside. “As long as all of you - or at least Nathan - are still here, I’m waiting here.” (edited)

"Do you truly think you're representing the interests of your child, Naomi?" (edited)

Bob Smith

"Do you truly think you're representing the interests of your child, Naomi?" (edited)

“Do you truly think you’re representing the interests of ‘The Elusive Sentasaurus’?” (edited)

"Okay, Sentasaurus. Just get in the cell." Gordon annoyedly pushed him into the prison.

Sam tries to pull him out of the cell.

((Roll))

((11))

"Alright, jeez. Are you gonna kill me now, or something?"

Sam gatekept from getting Sentasaurus out.

4:33 PM

Gordon shuts the cell.

“Probably not. If you stay there, you’ll probably just be stuck for a while, being unable to make any new useful memories, so you’ll be stuck as ‘Nathan’, probably. Have fun with that.”

"Get me out of here! Sam! You can't leave me here!" Sophie. "He can, and will." Naomi.

“…I’m sticking to my word. I’m staying here until the Sentasaurus is gone. Or, let’s do things this way. I clearly have no idea how to unlock these, so why don’t both of you leave? I want to stay behind and talk for a little. Then I’ll go. Maybe.”

Naomi tries to forcefully drag Sam away.

4:38 PM

Gordon unlocks the handcuffs on Sentasaurus through the bars. "Okay, now take off the suit."

“…Do you really want me to force the issue? It’s seriously not that hard to listen to my request.” “Don’t take off the suit, Sentasaurus! It’s your ticket out of here.” (edited)

Ehn/PC

Gordon unlocks the handcuffs on Sentasaurus through the bars. "Okay, now take off the suit."

"Oh thank God." I take off the suit.

Bob Smith

"Oh thank God." I take off the suit.

“Put it back on! Don’t you want to pull off an escape for publicity or whatever? Isn’t that what you do?”

Gordon took the suit, and put it with Sam and Sophie's things.

((aren’t my things gone now?))

((Did you pick them up? I didn't notice))

“Well, that gives me even more reason to stay here until you’re gone.” Sam attempts to stay put as much as possible.

Sam Kidink

(())

"My ticket out of here is a little different. I don't know what you're talking about, how the hell could this suit do anything?"

4:45 PM

"I-- well, I guess it's too late to take that back, at any rate."

Bob Smith

"My ticket out of here is a little different. I don't know what you're talking about, how the hell could this suit do anything?"

“Well, what is your ticket, then? Answer this and I’ll explain.”

((I may be dumb)) Okay yeah Sam has his things.

Sam Kidink

“Well, that gives me even more reason to stay here until you’re gone.” Sam attempts to stay put as much as possible.

((Roll))

((13))

Naomi still pulls him away.

“I’m going to ascend back to the plane I came from, through the use of a gateway.”

Well, I’m really out of options now, and leaving things as is really doesn’t seem right after everything the Sentasaurus has put me through. Especially if it’s another one of his pranks. Sam swings the backpack to pull away from Naomi. He also tries to unzip it in the process. (edited)

Bob Smith

“I’m going to ascend back to the plane I came from, through the use of a gateway.”

“Then do it now. And fine, I’ll explain: put on the suit, and you’ll be able to fly. It’s that simple. Maybe that will help you.” (edited)

Naomi lets go from the swing. The bag is unzipped, yup.

"I can't do it now. These things aren't just anywhere. I can't create a gateway."

Sam takes out the fish. I still have almost no idea what this does at all, and I hope I at least get to find out later. However, with the one thing I do know… The Sentasaurus probably won’t willingly leave. I’ll have to free Sophie instead. …Will this work? Sam eats raw fish, then holds the rest of the fish up against the bars of Sophie’s cell. ((sam - read 3 messages: https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/979770545082093568/1008113439341817876)) (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

((Reminder that Sam has a magic fish he can access now))

((I was hoping to wait to test it later, but if it’s necessary I guess I will)) ((https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/980254352247771139/1008117193529106494)) (edited)

Sam can feel himself grow much stronger.

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / bob-and-sam

Bob Smith

"I can't do it now. These things aren't just anywhere. I can't create a gateway."

“So how are you going to escape that way, then? Why not just fly?”

The fish immediately regenerates after having been bitten into.

…So there’s no time to regenerate the fish over a solid object. Is it really just what Jeff did earlier? This is disappointing. Sam pulls the bars of the cell away. “Yeah, apparently this is how it works. No idea what the fish store owner put in this…”

"I don't think I can fly. It's a lot less out there of a possibility to just try to use the bathroom and go from there. What, do I have a clothes-dependent superpower? Is that the idea?"

Bob Smith

"I don't think I can fly. It's a lot less out there of a possibility to just try to use the bathroom and go from there. What, do I have a clothes-dependent superpower? Is that the idea?"

“Yes.”

The bars do indeed pull away.

“Well, that’s your ticket out of here, Sophie. Feel free to run away and start anew or something.”

5:03 PM

((brb for 10 mins))

Sophie jumped out of the cell.

5:03 PM

Gordon ran for the exit.

"Before you question my priorities, note that you just ate raw fish."

5:08 PM

I laugh. "Well, alright. By any chance, have you heard the name Ehn before?"

((ok back))

Bob Smith

"Before you question my priorities, note that you just ate raw fish."

“I simply observed someone else’s actions and copied them. Which I’m sure is what being an internet personality is all about. And no, I have not heard of them, at least from your perspective.” Ehn basically told me to forget about her, so going by Nathan’s logic, she might as well not exist to me. Not that I would’ve said yes anyway. (edited)

"An enigmatic answer."

“So, Sophie, what’s will you do now?”

Bob Smith

"An enigmatic answer."

“Well, simply telling anyone the solutions is never interesting.”

"I guess escape? I didn't really plan to, but he's here now." Sophie.

“Well, I have nothing left to ask whoever this guy not named Bob Smith is, so I suppose I’ll just leave too. And remember, if for some reason you really choose to stay in this city, find some calm place to go to. Like the fish store. Though maybe not anymore considering the circumstances.”

Several armed guards entered the room. "Get back in your cell!" They aimed their weapons at Sophie.

"I'm beginning to think I'm the only sane entity in this world."

5:30 PM

"Good luck with whatever yo--ah! Jesus. What the hell is she even here for? I know I pissed some people off but what about her?"

Bob Smith

"I'm beginning to think I'm the only sane entity in this world."

“Then you should examine the world better.”

"I'm not one for escapism. This is just a game. I can't speak for the character I'm playing, but I don't want to just hide behind a costume. I've no reason to linger any longer than necessary."

“Also, what is all of this? Really. It’s all beyond my understanding right now.” Sam throws the suit at Sophie. “Why don’t you try it? Put this on. I’m out of better ideas, but if it worked for him, it might for you. Unless you also want to eat this fish. sigh This whole fighting thing is already boring.”

Bob Smith

"I'm not one for escapism. This is just a game. I can't speak for the character I'm playing, but I don't want to just hide behind a costume. I've no reason to linger any longer than necessary."

“Then, just escape the game through whatever methods you have, won’t you? It’s really not that hard.”

One of the guards opened fire on Sophie as she tried to catch the costume. Naomi ducked. (edited)

"If I'm correct, it should be unchained to a specific person. Sorry for losing it, then. Are you sure it's a good idea to be so flippant? You guys are still being held at gunpoint, you know."

Sam eats fish again yup. He also attempts to tackle the guard after ducking in a definitely unrelated move.

"Jesus! Shoot me, if anyone!"

((Roll(to sam)))

Bob Smith

"If I'm correct, it should be unchained to a specific person. Sorry for losing it, then. Are you sure it's a good idea to be so flippant? You guys are still being held at gunpoint, you know."

“I must concede that your theory is probably correct. I suppose I won’t mind sharing some theories with you in the future.” ((15))

((Wait does sentasaurus still have the suit on))

((you gave it to Gordon))

5:39 PM

((so it was on the table and I just tried to pass it to Sophie))

((Fuck))

The guard is tackled.

5:40 PM

The other guards in turn open fire on Sam.

5:40 PM

"Hey! This wasn't part of the deal!" Naomi.

((Can we stop the session))

Well, this is fine. …Did I really have a chance at leaving in the first place? Maybe not, considering this. Even if I escape, there’s no way I can come back from this choice, and the fish has clearly proven to be less interesting than I was hoping. One of two outcomes could come next: either the guards stop and I leave, run away, and attempt to start anew, or I die here. But if Sophie is able to escape, surely it’ll be at least okay… Sam throws the fish at Sophie as well, then makes a half-hearted attempt to run away. (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam is now in the staff rooms of what appears to be a large mall.

5:49 PM

The guy who kidnapped you yesterday entered, along with famous youtuber Jackson Day. Also Naomi and Sophie follow in from behind you.

…This place is absurd. Well, now is my chance to just leave. I can throw away all the other mysteries surrounding this situation too. It’s that simple, and I said I would. It won’t be easy, but this is my best chance. …Wait, how did they already catch up? “…You managed to escape?” Sam asks Sophie this.

"Yeah?" Sophie. "Do you think I'm weak just because I'm a girl? Pretty pathetic."

“No, I just figured you would’ve been at a greater risk of being shot at since you were the target. Did you leave the suit and fish behind? …Well, whatever. Let’s take this chance to escape while the option is open.” (edited)

5:56 PM

Sam bolts off in some direction towards a perceived exit, preferably one that’s not blocked.

"I do have your weird raw fish, yes. I don't know how you expected me to carry- Hey, wait! I'm talking to you!" Sophie followed.

Sam slows to walking temporarily. “…It’s not mine. I got it from the fish store and was hoping to return it. Of course, you’re free to keep it now, though I doubt you do. I know I don’t.”

They are now in the middle of the mall of Avengard.

…It’s probably some time in the morning. I guess there are people here. Unfortunately, I’m in no position to talk to anyone else. Sam continues heading to a perceived (unblocked) exit as initially planned. (edited)

Sophie followed. No one else is, for note.

She’s gone. That should make this easier. Right? Whatever negotiations she has to handle are her problems only. “…Any idea where she went? Well, it’s probably nothing. I think I’ll run away now.” If Sophie has nothing else to say, Sam indeed starts running.

"Earlier, you said something about starting a new life, right?" Sophie.

“Exactly. That’s my plan. I don’t know about you, but I doubt anything normal is left for me in this city anymore.”

"Can you... Take me with you?"

Well, if it’ll help her have a different routine than this… “If you want, then sure. I did say I was open to helping out.”

"...Well, you're welcome, then." She smiled. "Guess you get to enjoy my good presence more than most."

Perhaps this new sequence of events will be interesting, if nothing else. I’ll unfortunately not be able to tell the other few people here who I did enjoy talking to, but it’s okay. “Well then.” Sam smiles briefly, then continues with the initial plan again (running to an exit). (edited)

Before he does this actually Sophie is shot from behind.

6:30 PM

"I-I told you to stop running." Jackson Day has the gun.

"Oh, it's you. I didn't hear you earlier. And what, are you going to pull this nervous stunt again? I'd hate to cause problems again." "...Between Sophie somehow escaping the guards and the Sentasaurus' imprisonment, you're setting something up, and I don't like it. Whatever game you're playing, I'm exiting it. Alternatively, if you really want to kill me, just do it." "...Not that I expect someone like you to actually bother killing anyone. You just want to see people's plans ruined for fun, don't you? Well, I'm not going to stall a second time. You have a minute or so to explain yourself." Sam attempts to find the fish on Sophie's person (assuming she is unconscious on the ground now or something).

Sophie is indeed bleeding out on the ground yup. "Are you an idiot?" Jackson.

"What sort of question is that? I'm just asking why you would do any of this. 'Nathan' - the Sentasaurus - said he liked talking about motives. So go on." Sam still keeps attempting to search for the fish. (edited)

7:11 PM

"Sorry, I meant that Bob Smith said that."

Jackson shot at Sam. It misses. "Are you just not getting this?"

Is the fish just not here? I mean, I said I was glad to ignore it, but it definitely would've been useful with this guy running around... There's really nothing better for me to do here. Should I just go? "...No? There's nothing I've been able to understand in this mess, and I doubt there's anything to understand at all. Let's try a thought experiment. If I try to go away and complete my plan, will you shoot me?" "...Unfortunately for you, there's no reason for me to not just leave this time." Sam starts walking towards the exit slowly.

The fish is indeed there sorry.

7:32 PM

They are currently outside, also.

Sam gets the fish, but still walks away slowly.

"Of course I’m going to shoot you! What the hell are you on about!?" He does indeed do this. It misses.

Sam walks a few more steps forward. He then does the standard action again (eats fish), then suddenly turns around and runs towards Jackson to attempt to disarm him.

He shoots at Sam in return. ((End session))

((Saturday))

The bullet grazes Sam's side.

Ignoring this, Sam still tries to disarm Jackson as described above.

((Roll))

[10]

Jackson is disarmed.

Sam grabs the gun and points it at Jackson. "...I have just one more question. Who was this entire stunt meant to trick? Sophie? Me? Both of us? Someone else?"

"W-Wait don’t kill me!" He put his hands up in the air defensively.

"I won't. I'm not going to jail over something so silly as long as other avenues are left, and I'm not even sure if this gun works at all. Just answer the question."

"I-I-I don’t understand the question!"

"Let's make this simpler, then. What's your motive?"

"To not die!"

Is he being threatened? Considering all of these events, I would believe it if something far larger than this guy was going on. However, if I'm being targeted - or Sophie, or both of us - then I can fix that problem for him. "Well, my plan is to get out of here and change my name, identity, and everything else, and Sophie agreed earlier. If you really need either of us taken care of, you can consider both of us gone now. Whatever task you had, it's completed. How about it?"

"Are you stupid? There’s nothing you can do to get away from them!"

"Why not? As long as there's any possible way to escape, I'll try for it, and the more time I spend waiting here, the less viable that becomes. I'm sure there's a whole world of more exciting events and more exciting people outside this city. Have you ever tried to get out of here before?"

"You’re crazy! It’s clearly not going to work! You should’ve just stuck with your mother and let this all quiet down!"

"Why would I do that?! Even if this entire incident passed over, she would probably screw up again in a few days and get me thrown back in that cell again! It's clear nothing normal is happening here anymore, and I don't care about whatever self-absorbed underground connections she has. In fact, I don't even know what her role in all this even is to begin with! I'm not just going to take it lying down." "...Of course, if you knew something about her role in this that might actually be interesting, then I might at least care a little more. Which I doubt, for the record, considering you didn't have anything useful last time."

"Her role in this was just being the lawyer for some of their guys! They figured that she’d be annoying to deal with if we killed you!"

That's it? I doubt it's so simple. Ehn claimed that whatever connections Naomi had were sufficient to actually convince the mafia or whoever else to go to the Sentasaurus. I think this is a believable story, as it does prove connections between the Sentasaurus and these incidents which confused me before, but Jackson has hardly been reasonable in the past. "Wouldn't killing me just make it harder for her to do her job? And who's 'they'?" Sam mumbles to himself, though loud enough for Jackson to hear. "I don't get it, but the explanation is irrelevant to me. Anyway, let's say I do attempt to escape, and Sophie as well. What do you think would happen afterwards that really makes it so impossible?" He then asks this. (edited)

"The... You know! The mafia!"

"So? What are they, some international organization? Surely leaving this city would solve the problem, especially if no one goes by Sam Kidink after this."

"They definitely have power everywhere."

"And how would you know that? They can't possibly care to track everyone down, let alone some kid tangentially related to the situation. Being out of the loop on everything can be annoying, but not here."

"How the hell should I know!?"

"You're the one who said they're everywhere! At least back the claim up with something!"

"Run off and die on your own if you're so desperate! Just let me live, no matter what!"

"Relax, killing you won't solve or change anything, even if I somehow had to stay here. If this really gets so bad that I can't even run off on my own, then dying is the better option. Really, I should be the one on the ground right now, not Sophie." "...Speaking of which, what does Sophie or her dad have to do with this? I might as well ask for her if I can't get answers to my own problems. There can't be anything stopping her from leaving either, right?" (edited)

"I have no idea."

"...I'll take that as a yes." Sam lowers the gun. "Well, fine. You can leave, just as I was planning to earlier. Unfortunately, I have to figure out what to do with Sophie, assuming she's even still alive. Simply letting someone interesting die here doesn't seem right, though." Sam pauses for a few seconds, then speaks up again. "Go on, then. Unless you have any good ideas. You did shoot her, after all."

He runs away.

What now? There's no one reliable I can call to address this issue, and going to the police is hardly the right call after all this. And there's no way I can handle this myself... Well, it might be possible, but I have no clue what I would do after getting her to a hospital. Is this even the right call? Mr. Kerloe, for example, is also interesting, but I'm not going out of my way to save him, even though he easily could've been in danger; I can't trust what Jeff Johnner said. I figured I should leave him behind earlier, but now that I'm alone and actually able to process some of this, it makes no sense not to check on him if I'm going to help Sophie out. Otherwise, I should just ignore both of them, but I think Sophie was right earlier - waiting forever probably won't solve this situation. ...That said, no one seems to be here yet, so maybe I have a little time. I have no idea where Mr. Kerloe is, but I'm sure I can get that guy to check. ...If he's escaped. Sam glances around to actually check if no one else is around, and then picks up his belongings (the fish) and also puts the gun in his backpack. Then, he checks his phone to see where the nearest hospital is. Finally, he tries calling the Sentasaurus' phone number. (edited)

No response from Sentasaurus. The nearest hospital is across town.

I suppose not. I really do have to put Mr. Kerloe on hold, I guess. He's an adult, right? Perhaps he's fine. In the meantime, I should go, right? It's not like I'll look like any less of a complete idiot after all of this. I doubt Ehn expected this, but who cares at this point? I've walked across town before, so this isn't technically different. ...Why is there only one hospital in this city? Sam attempts to carry Sophie to the hospital after eating the fish to activate his ability to make this process easier.

She is like actively bleeding. Roll

((5 lol))

Sam cannot carry her.

Okay, so maybe that was too ridiculous. However, I'm also out of better ideas. Maybe I really should just leave if I'm really unable to resolve any of this. ...Maybe I could call Sophie's phone? She lost it earlier. Who knows if it just ended up with Jackson or someone tied to him, though... Sam calls the 'unknown number' he received texts from earlier.

No response.

...I suppose it was left at that house. Of course, if I can't bring her anywhere, calling anyone in the first place seems nearly useless, and considering Sophie was also slated to die, calling Naomi or dad would be equally useless, though I wouldn't regardless, and I doubt Shawn or anyone else cares enough. Fine. I'm not going to just sit here and be made to seem responsible for this. In the worst case, anything I ever did here was self-defense. Unfortunately, I really do have to go. If there's really nothing I can do to avert this situation, then there's no point in checking on Mr. Kerloe either, right? It's over. I'm done. Maybe I shouldn't have tried at all. Now, I'll see if Jackson was right. If he is, maybe I'll end up back here and things will only be worse, but at least I can say I tried, even if it's all pointless in the end. Sam backs up a little bit, then starts to run off in a direction away from the city.

Sam arrived in Shelk.

I'm finally somewhere new! I've done it! At least things should de-escalate for now. I can't be that far from that city, of course, so I should keep going. Maybe I'll ask someone about this general location later. Sam checks the distance between his current location and the general city of Avengard, then proceeds to keep walking further away from the city in the same direction.

I'm pretty sure Sam lives in Shelk.

Ignoring this fact, Sam continues in the same direction as there is no point in staying here.

7:13 PM

I have no idea how I ended up back here, but I'm sure I'll be able to escape if I keep going.

Sam arrived back in Avengard.

Wait, what?! How did I get back here? That makes no sense! ...I could've been travelling on a circular road, and I know for a fact that there are more places in this country than Avengard and Shelk. I don't believe it. I have to pay more attention to how I get out of here. This is time-sensitive. Sam checks the map on his phone and specifically checks to see if his current location is in the same direction he was going in earlier, or if there is somehow a contradiction. If nothing seems wrong, he runs again, checking against the map to make sure he is in fact going in the same direction and (presumably) proceeds to Shelk in this manner. Then, he continues walking in that direction until he either ends up back in Avengard or a new location.

((Roll))

((19))

The only road out of Avengard and Shelk is a highway.

I never knew this place was so isolated. You would think that this city with all its activity would need many more entries and exits than this. The mayor should really work on his city design. ...Well, that's all the more reason to escape. If the city I've known has really been this isolated for so long, then I simply had to broaden my perspective. I'm glad I found the path out, even if it's narrow. Sam tries to see if it is possible to walk along the edge of the highway. He also walks around and glances at some locations near the start of the highway and tries to see what could be the reason for this design choice, whether there's trees or anything else blocking Avengard and Shelk aside from the highway.

Okay I mean roads plural. I love phrasing

7:35 PM

There are a lot of highways just no walkable roads

((I figured that would make more sense but unfortunately using this information is in-character)) Okay, never mind, I checked the map wrong. Of course, not being able to walk out of here is still equally questionable. Well, I should be able to work around this anyway. Sam first observes the volume of traffic going across the highway, then checks to see if he still has his wallet and things that were inside it from getting his belongings together earlier.

Sam does indeed have his things.

7:49 PM

It’s late evening at this point.

It's getting late, but I have to do this now. If I wait, it's more likely someone will find me, regardless of where in Avengard or Shelk I'll be at. I can't let that happen. Sam attempts to call a taxi for the purpose of getting across the highway.

After a short while, Sam's taxi arrived.

Sam checks the distance to the next exit on the highway besides the current location that supposedly goes somewhere besides Avengard or Shelk, then requests to go there.

The taxi drives in that direction.

Sam checks the distance to make sure he is aware of what is going on.

The taxi misses the exit.

Sam points this out. "You missed the exit, but that's okay. Just take the nearest one - I'll figure it out from there." Afterwards, he checks his location again just to make sure yet again that he is in fact going further from Avengard and Shelk. (edited)

He is indeed going further. Sam gets an increasingly big headache.

I... have to keep going. Especially now - I can't turn back. He waits.

The taxi takes the next exit.

"Okay... you can stop at any building now." After the taxi stops, Sam thanks the driver and pays them, and afterwards exits and attempts to look around even though it is probably quite late by now and he is presumably very tired. (edited)

The taxi does not stop.

"Okay, I'm going, sorry." Sam attempts to open the door himself, regardless of the road. (edited)

It’s locked. Gordon, in the driver's seat, spoke up. "Sorry. We’re almost there." The car drove towards a dead end, barricades blocking off what seemed to be a steep drop.

What... the...? Was that really... him? Why was he here? ...No, I have to get out. The exit was taken, this has to be somewhere else. Sam eats part of the fish, then tries to break out and exit through the window. Or the car door, whichever works. (edited)

As Sam is trying to do this, Gordon leaps out of the moving car. It breaks through the railing and falls. It is now midnight, ending the chapter and session.

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

5: Auspicious Guardian

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam is currently inside of a car falling down a cliff.

((wait what? ok)) Well, there's nothing I can do now. Perhaps I was wrong to assume that any of this was possible, though maybe it was my fault for trying at all... And that taxi driver... That was Gordon, from earlier? That makes no sense! I should've been able to figure that out much earlier! Something strange started happening as I tried to leave, too, like I simply wasn't allowed this freedom... I wonder, was I being punished for not trying to help more earlier and just leaving? ...It doesn't matter anymore. Now what? I'm... way too tired to be coming up with anything useful. Since I was planning to get out anyway, I should check to see if it's even possible. Sam attempts to break the window as described earlier. Regardless of whether he succeeds, he then looks out to see if he can determine anything outside besides there being a cliff and that he is falling. (edited)

The bottom of the cliff seems to be some kind of forest.

It's a forest. Not some other highway. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that all of this will end in my death if that's the case. ...Being severely injured would really be much worse, so I should avoid that, if nothing else. ...Did I really learn anything from that conversation in the cell? And why did Gordon bother if I was going missing and Jackson and the others seemingly already gave up? Am I just overthinking it? ...My head still hurts. Sam attempts to climb on top of the car, taking his backpack, though he's not even sure if this is physically possible. If it is, he tries to assess the situation further from this point of view.

The car is still falling. When Sam attempts to get on the roof, he just falls out of the car.

Sam attempts to gauge the distance until he hits the ground.

About 0 meters. Sam hits the ground now. It hurts like hell, but the fish prevents him from getting any permanent injuries.

...Unfortunately, I wasn't able to prevent myself from being injured. Of course, my fall was broken by this... fish. Seriously, what is up with this thing?! I suspected it might break my fall, but it's a hard object. I should've been impaled by a bone or something, I don't know. Anyone who's ever been to a fish store knows this, I'm sure. ...Is there something I'm failing to consider? Also unfortunately, I was unable to cause my own inevitable death. At least the pain should subside eventually. I hardly feel like I can keep going, but there's nothing better for me to do, is there? I may as well figure out if there's anything this thing can do which I failed to account for earlier. Maybe it'll help me take my mind off of all this, and I'm all alone. Sam rests a bit (laying on the ground) to try to clear his head and also because he is currently temporarily injured. After whatever amount of necessary time passes, he gets back up. First, does this still work? Sam first takes out whatever is left in his backpack, even though everything is probably broken by this point. Then, he eats some of the fish and throws the empty backpack at a tree.

What was in his backpack again?

His laptop, a notebook, and basic school supplies. And a water bottle he got at the fish store some days ago. (edited)

The laptop is broken. The rest is damaged but probably still usable.

Well, I doubt I'll be getting a new laptop anytime soon... That's fine, though. Is my phone broken too? Sam checks his pocket for his phone. He then still attempts the above actions (eating fish, throwing empty backpack at tree) to see if something happens. (edited)

The phone is also broken. The other things work as usual.

3:27 PM

The fish is still magic.

Okay, it's the same fish. Now, what can I try? This thing broke my fall, so something's definitely wrong. I get that it keeps regenerating, but that seems to have been nearly irrelevant earlier. Back at the mall, I attempted to collide the fish over a solid object, but it regenerated instantly, so I couldn't. Do I have a better way of testing this? My laptop is broken, so I could use that. Will the fish still regenerate over it? Or is this all impossible? Sam attempts to jam the broken laptop into the fish through an edge. If this fails, he eats the fish first and then tries again, hoping the extra strength will help. (edited)

((It broke your fall in the sense that you were too Strong™️ to die. Sorry for the confusion)) (edited)

((that's fine)) Sam tries this anyway, more so out of curiosity.

The laptop is stabbed into the fish without issue.

So, anything can replace part of the fish for as long as necessary. This makes sense; otherwise, eating it at all would probably break your teeth. So, when I remove the laptop... Sam takes the laptop out and checks both the laptop and fish.

The fish regenerates. Nothing happens to the laptop.

I suppose it was too ridiculous to expect any of this to apply to objects instead of people. ...If I really only sustained minor injuries because I had eaten the fish prior, it means that this is at least slightly more useful than simply extra strength. ...I had figured that I wouldn't be able to put myself in danger regardless of this, especially considering the number of times I've been shot by now, but it seems this could also help defend myself. ...If I ever get into another situation where that arises, as unlikely as that is. Is there really no way to at least use the fish for something else? I'm struggling to come up with ideas now, and there's not much else I can do besides strength testing, and that just seems boring. I'm in no position to be doing any cooking, at any rate... Sam attempts to use the laptop to cut the fish in half. (edited)

4:25 PM

((I may have to go for like. an hour lol but I'll try to stay as long as possible))

((Roll))

((4 lol))

The fish is not accurately cut in half. The bigger piece regrows.

So this does work. The part of the fish left doesn't need to disappear. In theory, if I cut it in half more accurately, would I be left with two copies? I want to try it again, but I'm not sure if it's even possible. There would always be a larger half unless I was perfect, right? ...At least I have free food. Sam first sees it he's allowed to try and cut the bigger piece (now regrown) in half again, and he does so if possible. (edited)

((Roll))

((7. dice really doesn't want me to figure this out))

The same thing as before happens.

...Well, maybe later. Clearly, I have no future as a cook, but that's expected. Wait, maybe that's a good thing...? I have two smaller pieces of raw fish now. Maybe, even if I can't test that, I can test if any properties are even retained on the leftover pieces. If they aren't, then maybe nothing I can do would duplicate the fish. I'll accept that Ehn was probably right there. ...Speaking of, I know Ehn's not coming back ever, but what was her deal?! The only reason I'm here running all these tests, pointless or otherwise, is because that happened, and yet I was allowed to keep this for some reason. I would assume that Ehn could deactivate this fish somehow. ...Perhaps I should just make the most of it. If she saw me here right now, I'm sure she'd think this was completely unexciting. As for me, I'll decide if this was worth it when I'm done here. I have no clue what I'll do after this, but perhaps Sophie was right about plans not being necessary sometimes. It's a bit of a miracle that I even got to this point at all. Sam cuts off a part of one of the smaller pieces and tries to see if anything regrows. He then attempts a test by 1) throwing his empty backpack at a tree again, 2) eating that part of the fish, 3) throwing the backpack again to see if he feels any difference at all. (edited)

Sam is still strong so the fish does nothing.

...I should've considered that the effect from earlier probably hasn't worn off. Maybe I'll have to try later. Unless the strength effect has never worn off and I've not been thinking about it this whole time. I'm not sure if that would be good or not. This just feels like taking drugs at this point, which I would say is a waste of time. Is there anything else I can do? I've been thinking of any possible interesting properties this thing might have, but this may unfortunately may still be a simple matter after all. I considered feeding the fish to some sort of animal for a second, but that seems pointless. Though, if one comes by, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try. I should recall that I'm in the middle of a forest I've never been in, I have no idea where I am or how to get anywhere useful, let alone any sort of contact, and it's unlikely anything else will happen soon. I had Jackson's gun in my backpack earlier, but I didn't find it earlier. Maybe I forgot to check? Sam checks his backpack to see if it is there. He also decides it's been long enough to try sawing the fish in half for a third time. ((sorry I forgot about the gun earlier https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/979770545082093568/1010651928272834601))

The gun is there, but it’s questionable if it’ll still work. ((Roll))

((2))

Once again, bad fishcutting.

Well, at least if I keep doing this, I'll get more raw fish. If I get enough pieces, maybe I can make another fish. Like that one ship paradox. Why not? I'm here alone, I can walk around as much as I want. It's as I said, this is really the perfect time to be thinking about everything. Sam attempts to do this by cutting off various pieces, then trying to put them back together. Though he doesn't expect this to work considering the earlier attempts. In more realistic news, he also then tries to see if the gun is still working by holding it up to the fish and shooting it, though he doesn't expect anything new to happen.

((Roll))

((16))

The gun shoots the fish.

The gun still works, I guess. I also have a bunch of pieces of fish now in addition to the earlier one. ... Sam takes a deep breath and lies on the ground. ...This is all pointless, isn't it? It's unlikely to matter at all, and all I've done here is prolong my inevitable death instead of just instantly dying. There's nothing I can do here anymore, and whatever I was trying to figure out clearly didn't pan out. I have some thoughts on other events, but I'm ignoring them. That was my own decision. If I could just at least get out of here, that would be nice, but even that seems unlikely considering it still has to be nighttime. Maybe I wasn't allowed to do anything interesting with this or anything else which happened. If that's the case, though, why did I even get this thing? Was there any plan in giving me such a useless item to work with? I know Ehn said other people got items as well, and I said myself that I'd have to watch out for them! Surely most of them had more interesting things to work with than this. I'm just here accumulating fish, and not even entire ones. None of this is helping me actually do anything, and I don't know if I can even do anything anymore. I could probably sell this to Mr. Kerloe, considering he apparently does eat raw fish as well. ...Mr. Kerloe. Didn't he get a fish as well? Was it the same as this one? Was it any more useful? It had to be, right? Could I have swapped the fish all the way back then? This one can't possibly be useful for him, let alone anyone else!

7:53 PM

I've been thinking this way and actually seriously entertaining this thing. Is this waste of time what's keeping me tethered to everything that's happened? Maybe if I just left it behind earlier, I could've escaped all of this, unless I've already been too far in this whole time. Maybe that's it. Though, I'm more inclined to simply believe someone's simply not allowing me to escape at all. ...It's too late now. I'm already as good as dead anyway, right? I'm sure Gordon thought so. So much for all that about making my life or anyone else's interesting or even 'normal'. I can't do that if there isn't even anything to do. What can I do if I'm stuck here? Even if I leave this forest, I'll probably end up back in Avengard again. ...Seriously, if I'm not allowed to have anything interesting in my life, maybe all I can do is make other people's lives more interesting, right? That's what I said earlier. I'm sure that would at least give me something to do. That's all in theory, though. There's no way I can get out of here anyway. ...I'll give it just one try. Sam continues to simply lie down at least until morning comes. Then, he gathers all the items (including the fish "leftovers") and sets off away from the forest in some random direction to see where he ends up.

((Roll))

((16))

Sam stumbled upon Gordon heading to the crash site with a gun. Gordon has not spotted him yet. ((End session))

((did you ever consider saying 'sam attempts to cut the fish in half repeatedly until he's satisfied with the division'))

9:13 PM

((you're killing me))

((I did, but it's very in character for him to just give up))

10:04 PM

((from an outside perspective yeah you should simply just say try until it works))

((Saturday))

Sam Kidink started a thread. 9/21/2022 1:41 AM

Sam stumbled upon Gordon heading to the crash site with a gun. Gordon has not spotted him yet.

...He's here. I suppose he wanted to confirm my death, especially since I left the car. Leaving really is impossible, isn't it? After all this, I still ended up back where I started, and he's still here too. Maybe I'm just going to die here sooner or later anyway if whatever nonsense underground negotations keep going like this. ...Was Jackson right? I would just try to ask him these questions right now, but considering last time, it's unlikely... This reminds me, wasn't I supposed to have been let go? Despite all of that, Gordon still went out of his way to deal with me again. I have three ideas. One, Naomi went back on trying to bail me out, which wouldn't be surprising. Two, whatever negotiations were going on then were never actually meant to hold, which also wouldn't be surprising. Three, Gordon is just having too much fun. ...I'm sure he has those answers, but I'm not sure if I can get them. Should I just go? Maybe I should just figure out what he's doing. Sam tries to find somewhere to hide behind and also takes Jackson's gun out from his backpack.

((Roll))

((1.))

Gordon immediately spots him. "You're alive!?" He sounds weirdly relieved.

...That went well. I don't know why he's acting like this, though. Maybe I can ask something now? "Somehow, yes. ...I don't get it either, really. Your organization - or whoever you're working for - was trying to kill me, then let me go, then tried to kill me again, and now you haven't immediately tried to kill me. ...Should I even be alive right now?"

"No. You're uh, you're about to die now." He raised the gun and aimed it at Sam.

...Great. Well, I should probably at least still try to get some answers before I fall over, right? "...I figured. Honestly, I've sort of accepted that I'm inevitably going be killed sooner or later, so this situation is fine." He raises Jackson's gun and points it at Gordon. "...Are you being threatened, too? The last guy I met said that. He also said that it was impossible to escape from whoever's behind this. Well, I tried anyway, and now... I don't know what to think. Maybe he was right. But what do you think?"

"You're a kid dealing with the mafia. I'm not sure what you expected. This is already an impressive enough performance."

"People run away from situations all the time. Aren't there tons of missing people every year? Some of them are younger than me, and I doubt all of them were simply killed underground. ...I thought I could just escape and get rid of everything since there's basically nothing left for me here, and start over somewhere else. Didn't seem so hard on the surface, really. I thought I was close at one point, but maybe I never was. I have to admit, tracking me down in the taxi service was already impressive enough. Maybe someone put a tracking device on me while I was unconscious, or something. But it might be too late to be realizing those possibilities." "...I mean, you wouldn't know if you hadn't tried, right?"

"..."

"I was going to disappear anyway, right? You could've just labeled me dead, too. That was part of the idea. I'd be helping you make me disappear. An interesting setup, if you ask me." "...I get it. I'm basically dead now, and it'll probably be meaningless and uninteresting and all the other words I can come up with. But, if I can, before that, I'd like to at least know the point of going out of your way to do this. And I'd never ask Naomi or the Sentasaurus, that's for sure." "...There's too many possible reasons I've thought of ever since I've been trapped in all this, and none of them are impossible. Normally, I'd like to be able to figure it out myself, but I'm out of time."

"Going out of my way to do what? Kill you?"

"Exactly. Or, well, the mafia as well. ...I asked someone else, and all they said was that Naomi was a lawyer for some other opposing group. None of that is particularly specific, and I could care less about why she is doing that in the first place. What are the groups involved, and what were they even doing before this? I have many other questions, but those are the most important ones." (edited)

"Why would I answer that? You're about to die here."

"That's exactly why. Curiosity aside, I think everyone wants to figure out why things happens to them. Unfortunately, there's a lot I've been unable to figure out, and even less I've even been aware of, whether it's about this situation or anything I was doing before this. It doesn't feel great, really."

"Things are happening to you because you met Bob Smith. You can blame him for all this."

"...That's it? No complicated politics going on underground related to that? And that was a chance meeting! I don't know why he suddenly started obsessing over my life or even Sophie's for that matter, and he just kept trying to meet me afterwards for no reason! I never watched his channel, and I certainly never wanted anything to do with him, yet he kept trying to get me involved in whatever nonsense was going on with Team 9 or the mafia or whatever other organization! I'm entirely unsurprised it's his fault, really, but how could some unstable actor ruin my or anyone else's entire life like this?! He's not even going by Bob Smith anymore!"

"Just stop thinking about Bob Smith." He seems to have an idea. "I'll be nice to you. Just for a second. Tell me you'll stop looking into this whole Bob Smith thing, and I'll let you go."

"...If you had given me this offer earlier, I would've taken it immediately. The problem is, I tried to do that. I thought he was an incomprehensible mess and tried to ignore all of it and just move on. Go to school, walk around the city, maybe go to Mr. Kerloe's store, you get the point. That was my early conclusion. Yet, for some reason, I was quickly pulled back into all of it again, whether it was his doing or someone else's. I was forced to engage in all of this, I've tried to get away from it in every way I could think of, even abandoning all of what I said earlier, and now I'm here, still stuck in the midst of it all, and it still feels like I could die at any moment." "It feels like I'm too far in to simply be given an out like this. ...At this point, it's difficult to believe that I'd be able to just get out like this. How can you guarantee that he'll let me stop looking into this?"

"Simple. Let's just... All pretend you're dead."

"I like that idea. However, that's what I was trying to do just now, wasn't it? Start an entirely new life somewhere, new name and identity and all that. But we still ended up in this situation - I was still unable to leave. ...If you have better ideas, I'm listening, though."

"So we agree, then. You just... Never step foot in Avengard again, and we can all pretend you're dead."

"...Yes. If you can make it possible, at least. That's why I asked for a taxi in the first place. I was trying to leave on my own, but the only ways out of here are roads."

4:54 PM

"Granted, it's a bit difficult to trust you driving a car, for example, since last time, but I can't say I have any better options." (edited)

"You've already left. There should be some cities nearby."

"We're outside the city right now? In that case, sure. point me in the a reasonable direction, and I'll just walk over there. If it's that simple."

"You promise you won't just run back home, right?"

Part of me thinks that maybe I should be trying to at least understand why this entire mystery around the Sentasaurus or whoever else. That's what I said I'd do since I got caught up in this, right? I thought Gordon would just confirm that I had no way out of this. But if I can leave right now, that takes precedence, doesn't it? Am I just being too hopeful by attempting to take this sudden way out? ...No, this still is the best option. "You think I want to return there after all this? I'm not even sure if Naomi wants me to return. Well, unless I get kidnapped and sent back there, I'll stay away from Avengard. ...If you could help me sort out me changing my identity and all that, that would be nice, but I suppose I can figure it out."

"I'm done helping you."

"Fair enough." He starts heading away, though he keeps the gun up just in case. "What made you change your mind, anyway? It's hard for me to believe you would just let this happen. My only impression of you is that you were trying to killing me. And that you like fish, I guess, but neither of those really help me understand this decision."

"Just… Generosity. Don’t question it." He seems uncomfortable.

"...And you're somehow confident that allowing me this option will be better for you. Well, thanks, I suppose."

Gordon left. ((I love remembering sessions.)) (edited)

((you were popping off somewhere else. it was probably worth it)) I have no clue why he left, and I probably won't ever know. I must admit that his decision to go about things this way could be interesting, but I can't think about that right now, nor is there much point in doing so. Anyway, have I finally done it, or is this just another trap? I'll be cautious, but either outcome is probably fine at this point. I've been wandering around this forest for far too long to be concerning myself with that. All of this has been quite tiring, and while it somewhat disappoints me to be leaving this mystery behind, this outcome is preferable to the many risks associated with that. ...I still have the fish. If I'm leaving for good, is there any reason to keep it? ...Well, it's hardly conspicious, so perhaps it's not a huge deal. There's a bunch of half-fish and other fish parts in there as well. At this rate, I could just start my own fish store... Maybe I should try again, actually. It's been long enough, and as much as I enjoy walking around, just being in a forest feels a bit aimless. ...When I feel like trying. Sam begins to head in the direction he was pointed towards (or just continues heading down whichever direction he was going in). After a few minutes, he stops to take out the fish and tries to saw it in half with the laptop again because why not.

This is a thing that is possible to be done.

He does so and sees what happens.

((Roll))

((5 lol))

It’s not cut evenly.

Well, that was a fun diversion. Maybe if I don't get anywhere soon enough, I can just keep doing this. At least I'm going somewhere, though. Does either part regrow?

The bigger half regrows.

Part of me was wondering this would just stop working when I left the city, but I guess not. I hope all of this - whether it's Ehn or whoever else - doesn't go beyond that city, because if this is on a larger scale, then am I truly free? ...Well, this whole fish nonsense has little to do with the mafia, so I'm probably fine. Maybe it's best not to think about a talking dog's motives. I should just keep what I got out of it. Sam walks for a few more minutes. If he still hasn't reached anywhere, he stops to try again.

Sam arrived a cool, comfortable looking town. End session.

((Saturday))

((please cut the fucking fish))

7:16 PM

((just roll over and over again I do not care if atmey likes it))

(("it's probably meaningless anyway," sam thinks))

Sam arrived a cool, comfortable looking town.

Now that I think about it, I haven't actually had the experience of being in a new location before. ...Even I'm surprised I got here. I'm sure that if I try, it'll work out, though. In my current state, if I just walk around, will anyone know who I am? Does whatever organization Gordon was talking about have connections this far away? ...Well, I should trust that his plan made sense, right? Maybe it should be fine, though I should exercise caution. When everything settles down, I can relax more. ...Is there a map somewhere? Probably not. Maybe I'll ask someone if I can't figure out anything. Asking one person probably shouldn't hurt. Sam glances around, but he partially tries to cover his face by holding up his backpack. How many people seem to be there? Are things particularly busy? Has anyone noticed him yet?

It’s a normal town. No one's really paying him any attention.

Everything seems normal so far, just as I was hoping. Events in Avengard really are local to the city, despite its scale. ...That's interesting, though, isn't it? It's like that city is somehow isolated from everywhere else. ...No point thinking about it, though. In these circumstances, I should focus on figuring things out here, right now. Sam simply tries to find someone random who seems like they have too much time on their hands and walks up to them. Attempting to speak in a different tone from usual, he asks "Hello, I've just arrived here. Any idea where I can get directions around this town?" (edited)

"Directions?"

"I'm not sure what exactly is here and where to find it. Any information you might have would be fine."

"You should talk to Father Morgan. At the church."

Sam glances around to see if the church is conspicuously there, or at least some particularly tall building. If not, he asks "And where would I find the church?"

The pedestrian gives him directions.

"Thanks", Sam says. He then goes there and asks whoever seems to be there. "Hello, I'm new here. I was looking for information about this town - what goes on here, where everything is, and so on. I was told to find a 'Father Morgan' for that information. Is he here somewhere?"

"That would be me."

((sprites??? like the Sentasaurus???)) I'm inferring that this town is probably religious to some extent. I'm surprised places like this exist anymore, especially in New York, but perhaps I simply never knew about them. That's the whole point of exploring, though, isn't it? There's something new out there all the time. I used to explore the entire city of Avengard, so this is really just the same thing, right? This could all be quite interesting. At any rate, I should probably address him probably. Wouldn't want to cause any issues right now. "I see. Well, Father Morgan, I suppose you must know a lot about this place. What goes on around this town? What important places are there here, and where can I find them?*

"Important places? In what sense?"

"Well, I know this church is probably important. Are there any other buildings here I should know about, like police, schools, and so on? What would you say happens here on a day-to-day basis? I've always cared about how people go about their daily lives."

"There's a school. A police station. And so on, as you put it. We are functional."

...Always good to check. "Glad to hear that. Can you elaborate on what 'functional' means? For example, what would you say you do on a daily basis? I've seen many ways in which people do things, but I doubt I've seen as much as you."

"What I do? I give sermons to the believers. Take confessions. Maintain the church. It's not all too fascinating."

I must admit that everything he's said is more or less what I'd expected. In that sense, it's definitely boring. ...I don't have anything better to do than ask for more information, though. Might as well see if I can still get something out of this. If I asked anyone else, they'd probably just redirect me back here. "Well, I've never actually met someone who does this for an entire town, though I must admit that all of this is quite expected. But in that case, why do you do this if you don't find it fascinating?"

"The lord is benevolent to those who show him favor in turn. I don't desire misfortune to fall upon me."

"Well, certainly there are many ways to 'show favor' in that case, right? Is it not possible to maintain a living you enjoy while doing what you have to?" It's basically like homework, right? "I knew this guy. Owned a restaurant of sorts, but he seemed to enjoy the normal day-to-day events, albeit with a side of being obsessed with a certain type of food. But he was still a reasonable and interesting person. It's like that."

"It would be appreciated fi you did not compare the lord to a food item. But do go on."

"Sorry. My point is, people have things they truly care about, and I would say that there are always ways to get the lives they want. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it here. I almost didn't, in fact. So I would say you could find a way to do what you want to do as well."

"I see. Will that be all?"

I suppose I might be bothering him. Definitely wouldn't want to take any risks right now... "Well, I'd ask for your thoughts on what I said or any other advice you might have, but I suppose you might be on a busy schedule. Thanks, I suppose."

"Oh, right. You asked what's around. I assume you must be a tourist then? Have you found lodging yet?"

Well, honestly, if I wanted to keep things as simple as possible, I should really just sleep in the forest or something. Maybe that would be a good idea for long, though. It's probably best to get this information. "...In a manner of speaking, I am, yes. I haven't found anywhere to stay yet."

"Try the Petersons. They offer their home as a bed and breakfast."

"I see. Where are they?"

He gives some directions.

"Okay. Thanks." Sam then walks away. Since he dodged my earlier question, I doubt he wanted to respond. Well, that wasn't the most interesting statement ever. He didn't say anything too unexpected, and by his own admission everything is 'normal'. Him realizing this could be indicative of something...? I'll think about it later. Regardless, there are a lot of people here, so much like with Avengard, I'm sure there are some interesting people in these parts. I should just go for now. Then... Well, things seem relatively safe, so I should be fine walking around. ...Is it really mandatory that I go there? It's as I said earlier, I don't have to, right? Dealing with all the potential consequences of that seems messy. ... No, this is probably for the best. This can be my current 'homework'. Sam goes to the Petersons and knocks on the door. (edited)

A woman opened the door. "Oh, hi there."

"Is this the Petersons? I may have to stay somewhere for some amount of time. Not sure yet."

"Aren't you a bit young?"

I should've expected these sorts of annoying questions. Couldn't everything just be similar these days? I mean, this town probably doesn't have the millions of checks and customs I'm sure exist in a large city. "Not really. I should be old enough to work, at least, if that's a concern. I simply ended up in this town, so I suppose I'm looking for things to do."

"But you are an adult, right?"

I should just say yes. Explaining all of this would lead to many more questions that I really don't want to deal with right now. Should I have gone here at all? Did I just make a mistake? I mean, there was no need to... Whatever, I'll just get this over with. "...I am."

"Alright, then. The price is (reasonable amount) per night."

Sam checks his wallet which he should still have on him and sees if he can pay this somehow since it is reasonable.

He can.

Well then, I suppose I can stay here for now. Either way, I should definitely figure out something so I can go through with all of this. Maybe I can figure that out when I walk around. Sam pays this amount in advance. "By the way, do you know what sort of work people tend to do around here? I was looking to do something while I'm here."

The woman describes normal jobs. There is nothing particularly special.

Most of this isn't all that interesting, but that's fine, I think...? Am I under some sort of misconception? Well, maybe I'll find something where I end up talking to people and all that. Work at some store, who knows. It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask for her opinion. "Out of curiosity, what would you say are the most interesting events that happen in this town?"

"Most interesting events?"

"Whatever you think is unique or unexpected. Those are the main ones. Or, if you'd prefer a simpler question, maybe just what you enjoy doing around here."

"There's a lot to enjoy. The community is really great."

This feels like a bit of a non-answer. If she said something like 'The usual events are interesting,' I might have something to think about, but I'm starting to think there's nothing to understand here. "Any specific examples?"

"The Nielsens are really fun. Father Morgan is a kind man." She continues to list off more names.

Listening to her listing off people isn't going to give me any information I couldn't get by just walking around. "I see. Where would the Nielsens be?" Sam attempts to close the conversation.

She gives an address. "Anyway, come in. I’ll show you to the room."

I'd rather just go somewhere else, but I doubt anything good will come of trying to leave. Sam follows along.

She led Sam to a comfortable-looking room.

"I see, thanks. Is there anything else I should know?"

"We’ll be having supper in half an hour. If you miss it, you’ll have to make your own."

Right, I forgot that almost forgot food exists. I've probably been dealing with raw fish too much. Well, I'll come back if I feel like it. This isn't enough of a concern for me to commit to coming, and I'm not sure I want to considering how dry this conversation was, but we'll see. "Okay, thanks." Sam decides to head out. So, I suppose I'll go to the Nielsens' then? Usually, I'd say the appeal of going nowhere in particular is not knowing who you'll meet. I've been asking questions that streamline this entire process. Hopefully I'm not hurting my own investment in all of this. I mean, there's nothing wrong with just following along in this case... Sam goes in the direction of the Nielsens. If he finds that place, he knocks on the door.

((in a few minutes I will probably only be sporadically active for a few hours so if you want to end session here then that works for me))

((End session.))

((No session this week))

((Saturday))

This young man opens the door. "...Hm? You're not... Who are you?"

((intuition't)) How should I approach this? I've received a lot of non-answers so far, so perhaps I should be more direct this time, especially considering I haven't received particularly good answers most of the day. ...I'm realizing I came here without a specific goal in mind. I mean, that was the point, right? Seeing as things have calmed down, it's quite reasonable Isn't that sort of contradictory? Actually, I should just say something. He was expecting someone else, right? 'You're not...' whoever he was looking for. "Hi, I arrived in this town recently. I was looking for interesting people and was told to come here. ...Anyway, how are you, and were you looking for someone?"

"No, I... I'd say closer to the opposite. But you shouldn't be here. Go away."

... Should I just go, then? I'm not sure if I would want to get into any trouble right after getting here, but I at least want to get something out of this. "So you were hoping someone wouldn't come? In that case, is me being here really an issue? I hope I'm not the person you were expecting."

"Just go. Now." He reveals a small kitchen knife.

sigh "Fine." Sam backs away a bit. "But can I at least come back at a later time?"

"No. Just get lost. You don't want to meet them."

"...So you have no idea when they'll come? Well, whatever..." Sam walks away as he says this. Considering this is the first thing that has actually happened, part of me does want to know what's going on. Maybe I could watch from nearby? I doubt this is going to actually get me killed, but who knows what might occur. ...This didn't really take long, did it? ...I'll just go back to where I'm supposed to, wherever that was. Which house was it, again? The Petersons. Right. He goes there.

The Petersons welcome Sam back. This girl of about Sam's age is also there now. She waves to him. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Autumn."

"Hi, nice to meet you as well. ...Do you live here? I'm not sure who here is staying and who's visiting."

"Yes, I live here. It's always great to get to help people find comfort." She smiles.

"I see. Well, that's good to know. I'm guessing you're one of the Petersons, then?"

"Yes, that’s correct." Someone further inside the house called for supper.

Is the woman Sam talked to earlier here? If not, he goes ahead into the house.

Autumn followed. The 2 adult Petersons were seated around what was likely too much food. 4 seats were laid out.

Okay, this is a bit strange. There are four seats, which really means no one else is here. I figured that considering the priest guy's recommendation that at least someone else would be here. ... Sam waits to see if anything important happens, and if not, he speaks. "By the way, I went to the Nielsens, and some guy there forced me to go away. I wouldn't really say I got anything out of that, but it's possible I don't know something." He primarily directs this question at (presumably) Mrs. Peterson.

"Oh, Thomas? Yes, he’s in that phase all teenagers have. You know how it is." She laughs a little. Autumn makes a similar laugh as she sits down.

I suppose I wouldn't call that 'normal', nor a phase all teenagers have, but perhaps I really should go back to check. ...Well, actually, I guess that one time Ray had a crowbar on him comes to mind. Not that dealing with him was particularly enjoyable. "I see. Thomas, huh? So, do you think he would've actually harmed me if I kept asking questions, or anyone else who came by? I wasn't sure, really."

"Thomas is all talk, but you should still keep away from him. He’s not a very fun person." Autumn.

Well, I'd rather want to find out what was happening if he really is all talk... I don't think there's much else I could do right now besides go up to someone else random, but I don't know what I'd expect to happen in the first place. "Is anyone else there, then? I've also noticed that everyone seems to know each other in this town."

"Well, Aura's there too. But you probably wouldn’t like her. And there’s their parents too." Autumn.

I see. I'll take the relative silence otherwise as there not being any disagreement on that. Then why did Mrs. Peterson say that? ...It's probably useless to understand this. "...On an unrelated note, you said you like to help people find comfort in this town. Are there any particular reasons?"

"There’s no feeling quite like helping someone." Mrs Peterson. "Just last night, I was tutoring sone students." Autumn.

That's it? I mean, it's not like that's an absurd answer... I don't think asking about who the students were is useful at all. There are all sorts of people who just do things because they seem right. I guess it's all expected as is. "Well, what if you were unable to help someone? Or what if you helped the wrong person and got into trouble for it? Or if doing so was dangerous to you?"

"I have more faith in us than that. Well, maybe not Autumn." Mrs Peterson laughed. Autumn laughed along uncomfortably.

"But ability aside, I'm not sure if you can know if it's the right call to help some random person or even be involved with them."

"Trying to be a good person is always the right call.' Autumn. "Well, we do a lot more than try." Mrs Peterson.

...I wouldn't gain anything from debating being a good person. "What do you mean by doing more than just trying?"

"I mean that we truly do help." Mrs. Peterson.

"...Well, I suppose that's good. You did help me, after all." Sam finishes eating if he hasn't already, then stands up. "Thanks for the food. I'll probably have to go out for some time after this, but I should be back eventually." If no one has anything else to say, he leaves the house.

It’s getting very late at this point.

...It's fairly safe here, and I doubt any guys in suits would show up here. It may be late, but there are two things I should still do. First, it wouldn't hurt to stop by the Nielsens' again knowing what I do now. The second... I suppose that's only a conditional. Sam goes to the Nielsens' house and knocks on the door again.

Ashley Laurier is at the door. She seems to be in a panic. Inside the house, talking to her, are an adult woman and Thomas Nielsen.

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / ashley-and-sam

[inner monologue, don't click until at least after session end] Okay, this girl doesn't seem to be part of the family. I don't think she's the 'Aura' mentioned by Autumn, but maybe I should ask anyway. What's she doing here, though? And Thomas is here as well, presumably talking to his mom. Could she be the person Thomas didn't want to see? That would be strange, she doesn't seem particularly threatening. But this entire situation probably poses no risk, so it definitely wouldn't hurt to ask. "...Oh, hi. I figured I'd stop by again. I got bored, sorry." Sam says this to Thomas in a fairly indifferent tone. "Who are you? Are you, uh, Aura, or someone else?" He asks Ashley this. ((credits: mvdy for the inner monologue system. really useful, now you can monologue in conversations)) (edited)

((Wow that is genius))

5:56 PM

Ashley barely registers the voice coming from nearby. She takes a moment to process it before finally turning around, acknowledging its owner. "...No, sorry. Aura's inside. I'm just her friend from school!

Who are you?"

...Wait, did I seriously never think to come up with a name since coming here? I have to plan these things out ahead of time, why didn't I think about this earlier? Did I really let my guard down so quickly? Well, anyway, uh... "School, huh? I suppose that makes sense. ...I'm Alex. What's your name? And what are you doing here, then?"

"Well, if you don’t mind, could you take this conversation elsewhere?" The woman.

"Well, I was hoping to have a conversation with anyone in this house out of curiosity. Heard I'd find some interesting people here, but Thomas tried to chase me away last time. I didn't walk in on anything, did I? ...This is certainly the most that's happened all day." (edited)

"Oh, Thomas is so overdramatic. Teenagers, you know?" The woman. Thomas is just continuing to glare at Ashley.

From the way he's talking about Thomas, he probably at least knows him to some extent. But I shouldn't assume he knows anything about me for now. What I should be most focused on at the moment is not digging myself into any deeper of a hole than I'm already in. I can agonize over my plan going wrong however much I want later, but for now I need to make sure that's the only thing that goes wrong for me tonight. Ashley tries to leave with all her belongings without saying anything to anyone. "Sorry, I wasn't even planning on being here tonight. I'm going to try to find my way to Autumn's house now. You have a good night, guys!" (edited)

Teenagers, right... drastic responses like his are definitely normal. What I'm hearing is that he probably has something going on. Maybe I'll talk to him later. Also, everyone really does know each other here. "Autumn's house? Oh, I'm currently staying over there. I suppose you are as well?"

"Huh…?" Autumn's never mentioned this kid before. In fact, I've never seen him before. Why am I only finding this out now?? God, I just want to go home… I just want this to fucking stop already… "No, I'm… just a friend of hers. I was heading to her place to drop something off. Should I have met you before?"

Is it the right call to say that I'm new here? No, that would only give away information. If it comes up, it comes up, but if I'm going to be more careful, I shouldn't just leave clues behind. Anyway, I definitely want to know what's happening now, and Thomas seems like the best person to ask once that subsides. Well, I could also ask this girl. I don't know why she would be in such a hurry, and she hasn't even given her name, which I suppose I have to respect, but I doubt I'd get any useful information right now. "...Well, probably not. Anyway, have fun with that, I suppose."

"Thanks!" She starts to walk away, then pauses. "Actually… Uh, would you mind if we met up again sometime in the future to talk about… stuff? I'm a little curious about you, if that's alright, I mean…"

Oh, that solves that issue. "Sure, I don't see why not. Where and when?"

"Um..." She thinks over this for a second. "You know the school nearby? It's at [address]. We could probably meet up there and talk after school, right? Like, at four in the afternoon or something?"

"Yes, that works."

"Alright, see you then!

" Ashley turns and quickly walks away.

"See you." He turns the conversation back towards the others in the house assuming nothing else happens. ((I assume channel split here))

((yes))

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam turns the conversation back towards the others in the house. "Well, if it's alright, can I talk to Thomas for a little while?"

"Sorry, we're having supper right now. You're welcome to join us, if you want to."

This late? "I'll have to pass then, sorry. I suppose I can come back later. ...I assume the girl who was here also came while you were having supper? What was her name, anyway?"

"Oh, I don't know. She's a friend of Aura's."

"Do you know, Thomas?"

7:20 PM

"Actually, never mind. Well then, I'll go."

"You don't want to get involved with her either." Thomas.

"Yeah, I figured." I think I should just let her introduce herself tomorrow. It's as I said, there's no point in asking around in my position. ...The other thing I was going to do. There's still a bit of time, right? "Well, talk to you later." He heads out the door, assuming no one stops him. He attempts to go to the forest, though stops a short distance into the edge. (edited)

The forest is indeed there.

Sam sighs. He sits down briefly, then gets up and starts pacing around near the edge. I haven't been able to think much while walking around today, have I? I've just been going to places with purpose. I'd prefer to just take another random walk sometime, but I had to get everything settled. What is up with this place?! Almost everyone's just... nice. It's strange, really. It's like almost everyone is just saying the same things, and everything simply happens. Avengard was a much larger city, so maybe that's why so much more happened, but it still felt like there was something great to it. Maybe it was just Naomi making everything seem better than it actually was. Who cares, really. The Petersons, Morgan, the girl I saw earlier, they just seem to get by being all nice to each other. Even that random pedestrian I met at the start. Everyone's just... doing good. And especially the Petersons. That's what I think. And it all makes no sense to me. How is it that this place turned out like this? Is Avengard really just different?! I figured every town out there would just be the same sort of interesting situation. I almost wish I'd just tried to stay there the whole time. But, unfortunate or not, going back there would still be suicidal, and this was the way out I decided upon. And going to another town at this point would probably just be needless effort considering my experience here. Well, at least there is still something for me to think about. I'm definitely interested in what's going on with Thomas and the Nielsens. I suppose the Petersons really were right about that. There are actual secrets I can investigate there, and probably without many consequences. Even though the Petersons are simply 'nice', at least I can probably trust what they have to say. (edited)

8:12 PM

Also, I'll probably be at least somewhat safe there for the time being. I do need to figure out a way to stay for longer, though. Probably by finding a job, and preferably somewhere with customers so I can actually talk to people. ...It's all quite absurd, having to think about this when just about a week ago I figured my future was so far down the line. But I can handle this, right? ...I have better things to think about. Even if I'm not in much danger, I have to pay more attention. The last conversation proved that. Let's see. The name I'm using is Alex. I'm currently staying at the Petersons, we'll see how long I can and if I can do anything else. 'Father Morgan' runs a church, I think most people probably go, though I'll decide if I should later. I should figure out what's going on with the Nielsens; there's not much else I can really do, and I still doubt finding more random people will be fun. The last point is the meeting with that girl tomorrow. Just another one of the many nice people around here, but maybe I could ask about Thomas or Aura or someone else since that would be a better use of my time. Well, okay, I am curious about why she didn't say her name, considering I had my own reasons for using a different name, but I doubt much will come of it.

8:12 PM

...The school at 4 PM. That's right after class, probably. Flashbacks of the meeting days ago come to him. Am I just repeating this again? Am I going to run into some crazy incident, get thrown in jail, end up trapped in some complex web of political nonsense, and have to run off to yet another place? Okay, no, this girl is definitely much different from Sophie. And the town's much different, and there's certainly no dinosaur costume people here. I couldn't be happier about that. And, most importantly, I have no connections here that could get me into trouble. So that won't happen. I couldn't keep living like that anyway. Repeating all of that over and over isn't a much better repetitious cycle than what I had in Avengard anyway. It feels like I'm actually making progress by pursuing this specific direction. ...Did I really find Avengard all that interesting after all? Sam takes out the fish and tries to cut it in half with his laptop again. (edited)

((Roll))

((13))

The fish is not cut in half.

Exactly. It wasn't all that interesting after all. This was the most I got out of it, and it's not like this has helped me so far besides maybe starting a fish store in the future. ...I should just put this matter to rest. I don't know why I've been cutting this thing over and over intermittently, but I should just resolve it so that I don't have to think about that place again. I could keep coming back here to try every day, or I could just figure it out right now and instead focus on what's going on here and now. Let's just resolve my last concern with anything related to that city. Sam first takes out his notebook since it's still usable and writes some notes on a new page recapping his earlier thoughts:

8:24 PM

Then, he simply decides to sit there and try to cut the fish until he cuts it in half, assuming this is allowed. (edited)

((Roll))

((12))

It takes about half an hour of cutting before you are left with 2 exact pieces. Neither regrows.

Finally. I was wondering when I'd finish dealing with that. Though, honestly, I'm surprised that worked. He puts the two halves in his backpack, one on top of the other for convenience. He then puts everything else back in his backpack too.

This happens.

Having cleared up his doubts, Sam finally goes back to the Petersons. "Sorry I was gone for a while. Did someone stop by here?" I should ask if she came here, even not knowing who she is. (edited)

"No, no one. Why?"

...So that was just an excuse? Maybe I've misjudged something. "Well, someone said she would come to drop something off, but I suppose she never came. I suppose it's irrelevant. Anyway, I'll go." He does this unless whoever he was just talking to has anything to say. (edited)

This was Mrs. Peterson. ((By go do you mean to the guest room?))

((yes)) Unless she has anything to say, he goes to the guest room.

The guest room is as he left it.

Sam puts down his backpack in a relatively hidden corner somewhere. He then examines around for a little while in case there's anything there, mostly just for fun. (edited)

Nothing much.

That's good. He then turns off the lights and lies down in the bed. Considering the time, he tries to sleep, not really thinking about anything at all.

The chapter ends.

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

3: Artificial Gravity

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam woke up in his new bed the next morning.

Sam gets up and paces around the room a little while. Well, good to know nothing happened while I was asleep, if nothing else. That was nice. I suppose I should make the most of my time here. There are some things I'd like to know still, and even though I plan on being in this general town, making the most of the situation today is for the best. ...I should figure out something to do next, right? That's what I said I would do last night. Even if I somehow end up staying here, that's still important in the long-term... Well, maybe, at least for a little bit, I can stop worrying about that. I might as well investigate what I said I would. I doubt it would cause any problems for me, and it's probably still long until 4 PM. Plus, what else would I do? Sam exits the guest room and goes to the kitchen to see if anyone is in the general vicinity of there.

Autumn is there, drinking a cup of tea.

"Hi." Sam decides to sit down. "How are you? ...Also, do you mind if I ask some questions?"

"I'm great, thank you." Autumn smiled. "Please, ask away."

"Alright. Did anyone stop by here last night? Someone said they were going to drop something off here."

"No one came by to my knowledge, sorry."

Do I just have to assume that the other girl simply never came by? That's strange, I can't think of anything that would lead to that, nor any reason she would lie about that considering almost everyone here seems to be quite trustworthy. I'll definitely have to ask about that. "Do you know anything about Thomas or Aura? Anything in general, really. I may have to be here for some time longer, so I figured I should ask after yesterday."

"I'm not too familiar with Thomas, but Aura goes to my school."

"I see. What school is it? Also, if you don't mind, how do you two know each other?" I suppose I could ask Aura instead if I see her, so learning this isn't particularly urgent. And I don't actually know anything about her yet; perhaps she's as normal as the rest and I'm wasting my time.

((Going to pause you because you are obviously way too close to a cicada session and I am forcefully kicking her sorry))

((this is fine yeah))

((I guess we’re doing this???))

2:20 PM

She gives the address of a nearby school. "We’re in the same class."

Is it the same address the other girl gave? ((https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/1030959686435999774/1030973818258337882)) (edited)

It is.

It's the same school the other girl gave. Well, at least I know it's an actual school, though that's not surprising since it wouldn't make sense to give a fake address. They probably go to the same school, then. ...Considering how many people are in this town, I doubt there are many other high schools. ...Students in the same class, huh? Well, I'm certainly not involved in that, so that's fine. It doesn't concern me. "...How much do people use the internet here?"

"I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking."

"Well, do you know of anyone who pays a lot of attention to what happens online? Personally, I don't, but I was a little curious."

"That sounds like Ashley. She’s very involved in… Those circles." (edited)

Not that I really want to think about... that guy again, but knowing this could be useful. I'm inevitably going to have to pay some attention so that I don't get caught in some similar situation to a few days ago by not knowing what happens. Of course, I hope there are no other crazy people trying to get online clout or whatever, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. ...No, wait, I said I wouldn't worry about this. Maybe I'll just find something on my own to do. Or I should just ignore most social media like I've always done, no point in doing anything else. ...Well, it's too late, I already asked the question. ...Actually, wait. "Who is she?" (edited)

"She’s a fan of mine, you could say."

A fan of yours? Well, if someone was planning to drop something off here... It's nice to actually figure out something. It's been a while since anything I've come to any good conclusions. Well, okay, I don't know for sure, but I can probably guess that the other girl was Ashley. In that case, it's probably best not to ask her about anything online unless it comes up, and I doubt there's much I would want to know either. And, actually, if I did ask her or anyone else about the Sentasaurus, that might just give me away... I should've thought that through. I'll just check on my own if need be. "I see. I guess you two are also friends, then? ...Also, is there anywhere I could use a computer in the future, here or somewhere else?"

"If it can help someone, I’m always willing to share my computer."

She is nice to other people, so I guess that's why Ashley likes her? That's a common reason people care about other people. Well, okay, nearly everyone here is just nice and friendly with each other. Of course. "Thanks, though I don't think it's necessary at the moment. Actually, why aren't you at-" Wait, no, it's definitely Saturday by this point. I've lost track of the days of the week. Actually, in that case, why did the other girl - well, Ashley - want to meet after school ends? There shouldn't be school today. Well, maybe there were other reasons, and they're probably irrelevant. I'm getting sidetracked from investigating whatever is going on with Thomas, but I also don't have any other questions on that front for Autumn. "...Never mind. By the way, what's the name of the town?"

((Okay FINE I will explain AG time zones because I’m lazy and didn’t do that yet. I needed Ashley in school for longer so I invented a system of time zones where instead of differing by hours they sometimes differ by several days. It is currently Wednesday, Sam chapter 3. This is common knowledge and completely normal in-universe))

((lol??? this is literally the one theory I had about Q&A so can I assume sam also knows this?))

((Yes))

No, wait, am I making a mistake? Based on what I last remember of my location on my phone, it might not be Saturday. I don't know exactly where I am, but it's probably still a weekday. ...If I checked the internet here, would the information only be from earlier? Probably not. "Actually, the name of this town aside, it's a weekday today, right? I don't actually know what time it is either, but should you be at school?"

"Soon. Thank you for reminding me." She smiled, getting up. "I have to go help my neighbours first, though. It’d be impolite to leave first."

...And you can just get away with that here? Well, whatever. People probably don't mind here. "Personally, I wouldn't let that take precedence. In the past, I've sort of seen attendance as sort of obligatory, but maybe it makes sense here. ...Anyway, thanks for answering. It's been a while since I've gotten direct answers to anything from anyone." Sam glances around the room to see if there's a clock so he can figure out what time it is.

It’s early morning.

3:27 PM

Autumn leaves, waving politely.

So it really isn't time for school yet. She's right. If people are going to school, I might not have much I can do, but I should go check anyway. Sam goes to the guest room to get his backpack. He then exits the house, goes to the Nielsens' house again, and knocks on the door.

Thomas opens. "…You again."

Yeah, I didn't have much expectation of him going to school. "Well, I said I'd come back to ask questions, right? Out of simple curiosity, nothing else." "Usually, I wouldn't elaborate, but I don't have anything better to do. To be blunt, most people here are just so nice with each other, and that's what's interesting about whatever you're up to. Even your parents seem to write it off. Where I'm from, I wouldn't be surprised at all - I'm sure I've met some people who act like you do - but here, things seem to be different. Certainly not the most interesting situation ever, I will say, but definitely more so than anything else going on here." "I doubt you're willing to answer why all of that is the case, or maybe I'm completely wrong, but I'm willing to listen if you want. Otherwise, I'm curious about what happened last night when the other girl was here. Before I showed up, anyway."

He shuts the door.

"sigh I can wait, you know. I know you're here, and I seriously have nothing else better to do than ask questions." "...You said not to get involved with the other girl. What could she have been doing or planning?"

No response.

"Let's make this simpler. Did something actually dangerous happen there?"

No response.

"I'll take that as a yes." "You could just go to school, you know. Unless you're planning on going somewhere to swing a crowbar around, I was also wondering why you didn't do that." ...This is the opposite situation. At least no one here tries to talk endlessly about meaningless nonsense.

"You’re a psychopath."

"Well, if you have any suggestions for what else I should be doing, I'm open. I'd hope to come up with some theories about anything at all going on around here. 'Is there some series of crimes going on that no one talks about?' 'Did some incident happen years ago?' 'What if everyone is secretly conspiring to cause a specific person problems?' Possibilities like those. It's good to keep your options open. Maybe one of them would be right. Or maybe the situation would be even beyond anything I expect, which would be the best if it made sense." "Of course, in this town, none of that seems to happen. You were the one that made the empty threat last time, after all. So that's why I've been asking questions about you. I'd prefer to ask questions about the town itself, but the only conclusion I've come to is that nothing happens. Otherwise, I'd be looking into that instead." (edited)

No response.

"...So, is anything going on anywhere else?"

No response.

...I suppose there is one other thing I could do. If I could get access to a computer, at least. If I'm really not going to get answers, then I'll just have to come back here with them later. Or figure things out differently. This is all an annoying detour, though. "What time is it?"

No response.

"Fine, I'll leave. You're free to do whatever, though you already were earlier." Sam actually does leave. He goes back to the Petersons to check the time.

It’s been like an hour.

Is anyone else there?

No one.

Is Autumn's computer there?

It’s in her room.

Sam walks around a little while. Okay. If I'm going to use the computer - especially while she's gone - I should be quick in case someone else comes back. I could just find somewhere else, but since this option is available, I might as well. But I still have to think carefully. Assuming it's not password locked or anything, how do I go about this? What do I even want to do? Search for what events are happening around here? That's what I want, right? There's the matter of... well, him. Do I really want to check what's going on again? I'm far enough away, it should be okay if I do, right? I'll just use one of those private browsing tabs, and I won't be logged in. Well, then Autumn might know, right? I can't guarantee that anything I do will actually be tracked, and there's no point putting myself in actual danger like this. No, I shouldn't do that. All I actually know about what's going online is related to presumably what Ashley does. If I'm going to look into anything at all, that's all I should bother with since she's supposedly an internet person. And anything else going on around here. I could also get information on Thomas in theory, but something tells me I won't find much. In summary, I suppose I'll check for Ashley's social media, then Thomas'. How should I even go about either? It's difficult to come up with a good search to this end. Maybe the name of this town? If I could even figure that out. As always, searching things is useless. I suddenly remember why I never dealt with social media much in the past. Anyway, Twitter is a popular website, right? Especially for 'those circles', in Autumn's words. The site has a reputation, I know that much. ...That's probably the best I can do. Sam takes a deep breath, then opens the computer to see if he can log in.

There’s a guest login option. Autumn's main account is password locked.

Right, I forgot I could just use a guest login. This should also cause far fewer issues if someone finds out I was here. Sam indeed uses the guest login option.

Sam now has access to the internet and other computer things.

Sam opens up a private browsing tab and searches "ashley twitter". Actually, I do have one bit of information about this place... That should help. There are many people named Ashley, and even more named Thomas, so this probably won't help. Maybe less people are named Aura or Autumn? ...If Ms. Stanley was here, I'm sure she could do a much better job of searching, but maybe I'll run into a different expert someday. If the above search doesn't yield any results, he appends the school address to the end.

Neither provide any results.

Sam replaces "ashley" with "thomas" and "aura" in succession and attempts these. ...I could try Autumn's name as well, but I somehow suspect I'd just get information about the season.

None of these do anything.

Well, there is one way I could search Autumn's name since I know her last name as well. ...Is any of this even going to help me? I'm starting to think I shouldn't have tried at all. What am I actually accomplishing? Is this even going to matter in the future, and is there anything at all better or relevant to any of this that I could be doing? No, even if this is pointless, I might as well try while I'm here. If I'm searching with last names... He instead tries searching "thomas nielsen" and "aura nielsen" without any other information.

((Roll))

((10))

Nothing.

He appends the school address to both of these searches.

Nothing.

Lastly, he searches "autumn peterson", and then with the school address appended at the end.

There’s a few random posts about how nice she is.

I must admit I feel slightly strange searching anything about the person who owns this computer. It's like if Mr. Kerloe were to search him- on second thought, if he used the internet, he would probably do that. Or, no, maybe the opposite of that? ...These posts are mostly exactly what I'd expect. Then again, do most people really get posts specifically dedicated to how nice they are? That may be slightly unusual, but maybe that's what I should expect from Autumn. ...She seems to care a lot about being nice, maybe even more so than I expected. Is it possible to be excessive in this regard? Okay, I doubt this is worth thinking about. In conclusion, she's nice. Unfortunately, I have nothing else useful to do, so I might as well look through these posts. I probably haven't been searching for long enough to cause any issues. Actually, some of these could be Ashley's posts, considering what Autumn said. He checks the time on the computer compared to when he started, then starts looking through the posts and comments. (edited)

It's been a few minutes. Nothing interesting is in the posts or comments. ((Gonna end the most important session ever here lmao))

((lol ok))

((Saturday))

It's been a few minutes. Nothing interesting is in the posts or comments.

Should I just stop trying? It's hard for me to actually come up with a good reason I should be doing this now. No one has come by in the past few minutes, but who knows what could come next? I still don't know anything, just like last time. I must look stupid. ...Thankfully, no one is here. ... Okay, no. It took me 30 minutes of doing absolutely nothing to get the result I wanted last night. I should give it at least that much if no one is coming, and this is all I can do, right? I don't know what other information I could get. 'Actually, some of these could be her posts, considering with Autumn said.' That's what I thought, right? Is there any way to test that? Sam clicks on a few posts to see if he can find anything about who wrote them, not having an actual clear idea of how to do so.

((Roll))

((12))

Doesn’t seem to be Ashley posting these. (edited)

https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/979770545082093568/1036410417813147748 ((third paragraph. sorry I was referring to Ashley. bad phrasing)) (edited)

((I edited it I just didn’t post a new message))

I probably should've expected that. So, what now? This really was all pointless. This is all quite absurd, but maybe I just don't know enough to properly search anything. ...I said I wouldn't check what's going on with him - the Sentasaurus. But, I guess there is one way. Let's say, for some reason, that everything I do here is being recorded. In that case, there's no cause for concern yet, but the only way I could put myself in danger is if someone figured out where I was in the past. I've thought about how searching anything could lead to someone here figuring out, but if for some reason he were to seek me out instead, I have to make sure he's not up to something. He might do something as asinine as repeatedly showing up to someone. So, I figure I might as well figure something out, at the end of the day. If everything I do is being recorded, I'll simply search in the same manner I did a few days ago. I'll start with something more popular, then narrow the search. Sam searches up the "Team 9" YouTube channel again. Are there any new videos since last time?

((He’s searching through google or YouTube itself))

((latter))

A new video has been uploaded. It’s an announcement from the elusive Sentasaurus.

This is convenient. It's a video on the Team 9 channel, and they're relatively popular. But, it should give me exactly what I'm looking for. If I can't solve anything here, at least I can ensure I have no issues from back there. How long is the video? Sam watches it regardless.

"I have moved on from the Team 9 business. I want to start anew. Please subscribe to my channel here, where he links the "Saur Mann" youtube account." Bob Smith says this in the video.

He's trying to start a new identity! This again. Of course. Well, that should mean that he has no interest in figuring out where I am, but then again, when 'Nathan' showed up, he still cared about the ongoing situation, so who knows, really? He's too volatile, so I should check what his new channel is up to. Who knows what nonsense persona he's invented this time for his 'new beginning'... Sam checks the linked account.

The only video is titled "(DO NOT GO TO KERLOE FISHERY! MAN SETS UP A BOMB THANKS TO STORE OWNERS' IRRESPONSIBILITY!)".

Excuse me, what?? Okay, I only expect nonsense from this guy, but this goes beyond the bounds of what I thought was possible. I have no recollection of him ever going to Kerloe Fishery beyond that one night, and I doubt they would've met after that. Though maybe it's not surprising consider how much he tried to find me. Well, he can go after Kerloe Fishery all he likes. He's probably just trying to get views. Sam watches the video anyway.

It’s a security footage video of a man pressing an object to the door of the store. This somehow causes the door to swing open on its own. The man searches through the store but leaves with nothing. He closes the door and once again presses the object up to the door. Then he leaves. Description on the video: "Hav Kerloe, the owner of this store has been infamous for his poor practices, including dismissiveness towards others, intentionally poisoning their food, and eating raw fish in front of customers. As a man with clear incapability to even run a store, its no wonder that he couldn't afford to hire proper security."

...??? Wait, no, I might have an idea. I still have no idea why 'Saur Mann' would go after him, or why he thought Mr. Kerloe might've been dismissive towards him that night. However, I do know Mr. Kerloe ate raw fish, and I'm sure this guy thought the fish basket he received was poisoned or some nonsense. However, what about this video? I've never seen this guy, but... Sam watches the part where the door swings open again. Does the man press the object against the keyhole, or somewhere else? (edited)

Just the door itself.

...I'm just going to assume Avengard simply runs on a different set of rules than the rest of the world. Yes, Ehn probably gave the guy some object, and he used it to enter the door. That's quite interesting, actually. Makes me wish I was able to get something that unique instead of whatever I actually got. Then again, I wouldn't have ended up here if I did, so it's probably for the best. Imagine if I could've tried to solve that mystery from my current outside perspective. ...I should've just done that from the start, but I was forced to take an actual part in it all, and one where I was completely clueless. Right now, I'm not part of their game, and it at least doesn't look terrible now. ...Well, that doesn't matter. It's a different set of rules. Right. I said I'd ignore those. Avengard shouldn't concern me anymore, and even though I'm glad to have solved this, it won't matter to me at all. I'd rather be thinking about what happens here. There is one thing I can do for that now. Sam checks the upload date of the video, and compares it to the date displayed on the computer. He also checks what day of the week that is.

It was uploaded 3 hours ago. It's timezone isn't mentioned because that's not how that works. Today is a wednesday.

I don't need the timezone to know that it should've been Saturday there, so it was probably uploaded Saturday for him. This video definitely wasn't uploaded Wednesday. I should know. I was there most of the night, and I don't think I saw myself in the video. That means things really have happened there since then, but fortunately for me, they're all irrelevant. Right now, it's Wednesday. That's all that matters. The only other thing I actually need to know is whether Saur Mann is still looking for me. Sam checks around Saur Mann's channel to see if his Twitter is linked.

There's no twitter linked.

Sam backtracks to Team 9's YouTube channel and locates their Twitter instead, if possible.

They have a linked twitter.

Don’tATMMachine

Team 9 @teamnine Bio: Official Team 9 Twitter, pop off squad. YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/team9

Jump

Go to message!

Sam checks the new video post. Is it the same video?

Yes. (edited)

Don’tATMMachine

Team Nine: New video! This tweet is automated. The video is an announcement from the Elusive Sentasaurus.

Jump

Go to message!

((slowest embed in history))

3:52 PM

Okay, I think I've finally constructed a reasonable sequence of events to lead me to search for The Sentasaurus from an outside perspective, so everything should look reasonable. How much time has passed since Sam started? Anyway, Sam clicks on Bob Smith's twitter from the Bob Smith message.

SentSawTooMuch

@teamnine How long do I have to stay here for?

The elusive sentasaurus

Jump

Go to message!

It's been like several minutes. ((I have had Ashley paused for most of this, hence the silence I complained about))

4:05 PM

((Do you actually need the link to Sentasaurus's twitter or))

((oh sorry. no I'm typing a lot right now))

4:06 PM

((though actually also if she's paused then I must be quite a bit behind. in-universe there are like hours until 4 PM lol. though I also don't have many other plans after this so if you want to timeskip then that's fine)) (edited)

((No I'm waiting to have a chance to do things))

Sam scrolls through #deleted-channel to check the new messages. There's a few messages from Shawn. I suppose he really did keep his word on looking into all this more. Good for him... In the end, he was clearly able to go try to solve the mystery while seemingly being personally involved in it. The Sentasaurus didn't decide to obsessively track him down. Could he have been the man in the video? ...I don't even remember who I thought could've been given an object by Ehn anymore. I thought about it, but I don't need to recall anymore. Eventually, Sam reaches this message: (edited)

4:12 PM

https://discord.com/channels/959192904184778753/969316217817010246/1033459724433240156 (edited)

4:15 PM

No. He's definitely still trying, isn't he? He'll just fly over here and cause more problems for me. I can't get out of this, can I? I'm just going to- Okay, no. That won't happen. I'm not the same person, everything is different. I should just leave it alone. I'm not paying attention to that. I doubt he's sorry about anything, but that doesn't matter. There's no way I can meet up with him. For his purposes, there is no one who can. That's it. That's a problem for people in that city. There was no need for me to think about this at all. ... Sam closes everything and logs out. He attempts to listen for a little bit to see if anyone is around the house right now.

No one’s home.

Should I tell her I was here? Sam tears out a page of his notebook and writes the following:

4:25 PM

Well, no, just in case, there's no need for me to state that I was the one here, right? If it leads back to me, then that's a problem. ...It's too late. I'm the only one here who would even use the computer anyway. Sam leaves the note by the computer. He then exits the room and checks the actual time again somewhere, having forgotten to do that.

It’s still only been a few minutes. No action Sam has taken has been particularly long.

A bit agitated, Sam exits the house. He then goes to walk around the town in no particular direction. Let's just recap the mystery going on here. As I said from the beginning, Thomas is probably up to something. Aura is probably at school. Autumn is probably at school. Ashley is probably at school. If the other girl isn't any of these people, then she could be up to something as well, but I thought she could be Ashley. But even then, I wouldn't bring this up when I meet her later, because I'm not supposed to have any guesses. Most of the adults I know around here are probably doing... adult things. I should still figure out something to do eventually, but I have no particular directions. After some time, Sam simply tries to find anyone who might be around currently.

Thomas is running around in a panic for some reason.

Oh, he's here. I still wanted to ask him questions, right? I can ask questions now. I should probably not approach this the way I did last time. "Uh. Hi, Thomas. ...Is everything okay? Well, I doubt I'm going to get an answer, but don't worry, I won't ask anything else yet."

"…Ugh. Have you seen Aura?"

"I haven't. Autumn told me that they're classmates, though. Could she be at school, at [address]?"

"Are you a fucking robot, man? …Shit, shit, shit…"

Is there a reason she could not be at school? Wait, no. They're siblings, right? I'm stupid. If she was there, Thomas would've checked or known already. ...In this state, I can't get answers out of him. However, if I find her instead, then maybe I could instead ask her the questions I've been meaning to ask? If they know each other well, then I may be able to find out something interesting by asking her, especially if something is really happening according to Thomas. "I hope not, I've had really bad experiences with people claiming to be robots. ...But sorry, I didn't realize you would've checked that already. I can help look, if you want." (edited)

"No, it’s… She can’t go there. No matter what. That… That girl is there."

So if she's not anywhere else, she has to be at a specific location? Is that how it works? Did someone want to meet with her at a specific place, and presumably not at school either? And how does Thomas know this? And that girl... The same girl from last night? Well, I still think there could be any number of people who know Autumn, so admittedly, my conclusion earlier was a bit of a leap in logic. I might as well entertain the possibility, though. I should ask more. This is all happening. ...All this has helped me clear my head, so that's good. "Where is it? ...Could it be Ashley?"

"The school. And yes, I’m obviously talking about Ashley. She’s dangerous."

So that possibility was correct. Probably. This is all quite interesting, though. If Thomas really is saying she's isn't just as nice as everyone else, then I may have to reconsider my perception of what happened last night. Well, assuming I trust him, but it doesn't sound like he has any particular intentions at the moment. ...Yesterday, was she the person he was hoping wouldn't show up? "Well, you remember what was said last night, right? I'm supposed to meet her at 4 PM, so I certainly don't mind going earlier to check." "Plus, now I'm really wondering. If they're at the same school, I can't imagine it's possible for anything to happen there. What would make her dangerous? She's seemed nice enough to me so far."

"Shut up! This is serious! Stop treating this like a game!" He ran off in the direction of the school.

...What, am I supposed to just take that as fact without proof? Sam runs off after him.

Ashley is in the schoolyard.

He goes there. ((I guess I should wait for cicada now))

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / ashley-and-sam

Oh. Well, I wasn't looking for her, but I doubt anything useful will come of this conversation. I should just listen to what she says after I get the context out of the way. "...Hi. I sort of just came here? I've basically accomplished nothing the entire morning, so I thought I might as well just come here early and go around a little while. How are you? Sorry if you were going to class or something."

"Where is she!?" Thomas.

Oh, right. I forgot I followed after Thomas. Of course he's here. Well, now that she's here, it would be unwise to claim I was following along, right? I'm an outsider to this. "I don't know. Probably not here, if that's what you were wondering. Nice to see you here as well, by the way." (edited)

"What the hell is your problem?"

Ashley looks between the both of them. After remaining silent for a few seconds, she motions towards Thomas with a nod of her head. "I wanted to meet alone. Can you get him to leave?" she asks Alex. (edited)

"Where is she?"

"...Oh, we're talking about the meeting? Isn't that in a few hours? We could wait until then. Well, I guess if this is currently free time or whatever, then sure. I don't know why he's here."

"In a few hours?" She almost reaches into her pocket to check her phone, but stops, not wanting to take her eyes off Thomas. "...Sorry, I lost track of time." Speaking directly to Thomas now, she tells him, "If you're looking for your conscience, I think it went running in the other direction."

"Well, you said 4 PM... well, whatever. This arrangement works for me." He turns to Thomas. "You should probably leave. I doubt you're going to find whoever you're looking for here, and if this girl being here is an issue, then surely you can search while I'm in a conversation, right?"

Ashley Laurier

"As if you’d know anything about conscience. You’re just ruining people’s lives just because it makes you feel good. You’re a psychopath."

"What, ruining people's lives just because I stopped by to see how they were doing? Grow the fuck up. You're more of a psychopath than I'll ever be if even the most simple acts of kindness are the end of the world to you. But hey, tell me something I don't know."

"Standing there mockingly like you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Where is my sister?"

Certainly, by being here, I've already walked into a drastically different sequence of events than a talking dinosaur. In that aspect, I've succeeded for sure. "...Whose lives are being ruined? Doesn't seem like anything is happening to me, and everyone here is all nice to each other. Whatever either of you are thinking of, it probably doesn't exist, though I'd be happy to be proven wrong."

"This doesn't involve you!" she snaps at Alex. Turning back to Thomas, she continues, "What, so you can beat the shit out of her too? Wherever she is, I hope she's somewhere you can't find her."

...What, both of them were targeting her? Are Thomas and Aura really not on good terms? Not that I had any reason to assume they were, but that's something to keep in mind. I wonder what she did. Things are definitely happening now. "I know it doesn't involve me. That's why I'm interested. This conversation is quite good, really. Keep going. ...Or he can leave so we can talk and all that. Either way, I can wait."

For the first time, Ashley turns to leer at Alex. "If you're really that interested in contributing to the discussion, here's a suggestion: you can help me hold him down."

((Sorry I’m not being silent because Thomas would be I’m just trying to deal with things))

((Yeah I will stop sending new Ashley messages now while you sort things out)) (edited)

((I'll wait yeah))

((Okay let’s resume sorry)) "Just who the hell do you think I am!?"

Ashley Laurier

For the first time, Ashley turns to leer at Alex. "If you're really that interested in contributing to the discussion, here's a suggestion: you can help me hold him down."

"Contributing is different from interest. I don't plan on interfering with the situation. ...Think of it like watching events in some book or movie or game transpire. Right now, Thomas is certainly more suspicious, but I can't think of any reason he would need to be held down. What's he going to do, pull out a gun in front of everyone here?" He turns to Thomas. "Good question, really. Who are you?"

"If I told you the person he was trying to hunt down right now is someone he's abusing on a daily basis, would you want to stop him then?" Does he really not know who Thomas is? There goes my one lead… just my own shitty luck. (edited)

"I'm abusing!? You’re the one hurting her."

"Why don't you tell me exactly what I'm doing wrong? Ohhhh, wait, you'd rather just vaguely imply threats to try to scare me off like I'm as much of a coward as you are, huh? Yeah, huh, that might be tough for you then…" (edited)

"Well, if you just told me that, I'm not sure I'd believe it. Considering literally nothing has happened in my time here yet, I'm not inclined to believe anything has happened until there's evidence of it, so if you had proof, then perhaps I might 'try to stop him'. But I don't even know the reasons either. Hardly seems interesting if people are just screwing each other over for no reason." He turns to Thomas again. "Of course, you haven't shown anything either." (edited)

"…I don’t owe you anything. Least of all you." That last comment was directed at Ashley.

"Yeah, pretty much what I thought, just avoiding the topic like you usually do, huh. I'll tell you what, if you're that scared of confrontation, why don't you just kill yourself?" She smirks at him.

Autumn walks into the schoolgrounds dragging this girl.

7:15 PM

((From. Out of the school. I can't phrase))

Ashley turns to face the two of them, her eyes widening in shock and her face turning pale. "Wh-… What…?"

Wow, going there already? Great. She might actually be doing something interesting. Considering what she said, that may be proof that I have to reconsider my earlier perception. I'll have to think about this more later. "...Uh. Hi, Autumn. Who's this?"

"Oh, she was just trying to hide back in class." Autumn smiled. "A-Aura." Thomas. Aura is silent.

"Autumn, why would you…"

"What are you two doing here, anyway?" He expresses a bit of confusion. "What is this, some sort of mass meeting I stumbled upon? Well, it's fine. Ignore me. Wait, you're Aura?" He turns to Thomas again. "Well, search complete. You did a great job."

"Shut up." Thomas moved towards Aura.

"WAIT!" Ashley tries to jump between him and his sister.

7:22 PM

"I-I'm not going to move until you tell me what the fuck is going on! Autumn," she turns to face the girl behind her, "why did you bring her here? What are you thinking?"

"Well, she can’t just hide away in school. They have to close up soon." Autumn.

7:23 PM

"I’m alright! N-Nya!" Aura. "Not now." Thomas.

"You guys definitely could've handled this better. Well, it's not like anything can happen now if there are so many people watching. I don't know either of you are planning, but right now, it certainly doesn't make much sense."

Ehn/PC

"Well, she can’t just hide away in school. They have to close up soon." Autumn.

"That's-..." Ashley doesn't really have an argument against this. "Okay, but didn't you think she might have been hiding for a reason? Did you even think to ask?"

Ehn/PC

"I’m alright! N-Nya!" Aura. "Not now." Thomas.

"...What?" "Anyway, Autumn. Why bring these two here? Were you trying to find Aura as well? What does that even accomplish?" I'm most likely to get direct answers from her, still.

"Of course I did. Didn’t I tell you, Ashley?" Autumn. "I just… I just wanted the attention." Aura. Thomas makes an indescribable expression.

Ashley's entire body seems to lose all of its energy. It takes all of her effort to slowly turn around to face her friend. "...Aura, that isn't true, is it?"

"What attention? Aren't you guys classmates or something? Just talk to each other. ...Are any of you going to explain anything, or are we just going to stand around here being incomprehensible?"

"Of course it is." Autumn. "It’s what I’ve always been telling you." Aura nodded shakily.

Ehn/PC

"Of course it is." Autumn. "It’s what I’ve always been telling you." Aura nodded shakily.

"...Actually, isn't that strange? If she wanted to come here, why did you have to drag her from whatever class she was hiding in?"

"I'm- I wasn't asking you, Autumn...! I..." She's convinced this isn't something that's actually happening. Aura is just making it up, or Autumn is probably forcing her to say it, or- no, that's- Autumn wouldn't "force" her to say that; she's a good person, and Ashley is supposed to love her, after all- but what does that mean if- if- Ashley clutches at her head and nearly collapses to the ground. (edited)

"That’s… Not what I’m saying at all. She wanted her brother to look for her because she’s a bad person." Autumn. "Yup, that’s me! Kyaaaa! Hehehe…" Aura. Autumn walked away from Aura and moved to Thomas.

Well, it looks like I can't really talk to Ashley at this point. I guess I'll ask my other questions. "...You think she's a bad person? What makes you say that? And why would she want this?"

"Have you really never wanted your parents' attention? I can’t really relate, my family loves me dearly. But some kids like her, they just desperately want to feel loved. Even when they receive it, they do absolutely everything in their power to take more and more. It’s greed. Endless greed. That’s the kind of greed that forms a bad person." Autumn turned back toward Sam.

"Stop it..." Ashley practically whimpers.

Thomas is glaring at Autumn angrily. "But why? Are you scared of the truth, Ashley? She’s admitting to it and everything. Are you sure you don’t just want me to be wrong?" She made a sad expression. "I thought you trusted me more than that..."

Ashley starts sobbing. "Please, just stop! Just leave us alone! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

"Not at all. If we're talking about parents, mine never really cared, and I didn't either. There's so much more out there, so many more interesting things to do. Go outside, do whatever else. ...Well, I can't say I got the reading you said from Aura, considering so far she's just been the most incomprehensible of anyone here. But isn't that weird? I haven't figured out what makes you or Ashley involved in this, if what you're saying is true. What makes you want to support this behavior? Aren't you a nice person and all? Is it really your place to interfere? ...If this is the truth, it only leads to further questions." (edited)

Autumn moved over to Ashley and hugged her. "It’s alright. It’s alright. Calm down… You can’t be making a scene in public like this."

Ashley continues shaking and crying, but in the warmth of Autumn's hug, her voice catches in her throat again. She can't get any more words out, and her trembling body slowly starts to calm itself down, just like her friend is telling her to.

Sam simply stares at the scene for a few seconds. Oh, is this the usual teenage romance thing? I suppose that makes some sense, but I'd much rather follow conversation she's brought up. He turns to Autumn again. "...What, are you not going to answer my questions? I will admit, hearing this coming from you is an interesting direction to take this conversation, supporting something you claim is bad. I certainly didn't expect something like this to happen when I came here."

As soon as Ashley regains the ability to talk, she whispers out "I'm s-sorry... I'm so sorry, Autumn..."

Autumn pat her on the back. "Just don’t do it again, okay?"

She nods, still shaking a little.

Autumn broke the hug and moved over to Thomas. They exchanged a few whispers.

...Let's say that at least one person here is up to something. Then, these two whispering would indicate that they are working together. On the other side, Ashley is up to something, and Aura is at the center of the incident, as incomprehensible as she's been so far. Despite that, Autumn and Ashley are close friends. I mean, this doesn't resolve the disagreement at all. I should bring it up. This is really changing my perception of who I thought these people were. I'm glad things are happening, and at a school no less. "...I'm glad things seem to be resolved, but I hardly think hugging each other and being all friendly is an interesting solution to the conflict. It's like everyone suddenly decided to drop this point for no reason. Are you all just going to leave things like that?"

"Of course. Good people move on." Autumn moved away from Thomas. "…" Thomas still looks angry at Autumn, but he moves over to Aura and grabs her by the arm.

Yeah, and this conflict won't arise again... Well, maybe that could be for the better. Perhaps it'll be interesting for longer if it's not resolved so quickly. I can't help but disagree with what Autumn said earlier, and that's making me a little annoyed, but maybe I should do what I said. Just watch. "Well, suit yourself. In that case, why deal with bad people at all? It may be better to move on from them so that you can be a better person. But it's clear I won't get a satisfactory answer by asking this, so whatever. Maybe you're too good for that." He turns to Thomas. "So, where are you going now? I'm not going to follow, don't worry."

"I deal with bad people to help the good, obviously. If I could, I’d remove bad people from this world entirely. But abandoning the good people is something a bad person does. Isn’t that right, Ashley?" Autumn.

Ashley nods again, choking out a weak "Y-Yeah... you're right..."

"...Well, who in this situation is good? Ashley? Are you saying you came here because of her? At least one person here seems to disagree."

"…" Autumn mumbles something to herself. "Could we move this conversation? Ashley is kind of distracting me here. It’s best to discuss this elsewhere."

...I'll take that as a yes. "Maybe. I want to talk to Ashley first, but we can talk at your house later, if that works."

"You want to talk to her like this?"

"Well, she sort of dropped out of the conversation for a good while, and she was the one who wanted to talk to me before. Asking questions is the same at any time of the day, so I don't see why not."

"It’s better for you to rest, right Ashley?"

8:17 PM

Thomas and Aura are still here for note. They’re just watching.

Ashley wipes at her eyes. "Autumn, I can handle it... I know I made a scene before, but if he wants to talk, I can handle it. Good people handle it, right...?"

"…" Her smile fades for a second. "Right. Of course. I know that."

"Well, guess that's settled. I'll see you later. And sorry if I asked too many questions at once, I know not everyone has all the answers immediately. Otherwise there wouldn't be a mystery at all."

Ehn/PC

Thomas and Aura are still here for note. They’re just watching.

After that, Sam recognizes this. "And are either of you two going to go anywhere? I thought that was the plan."

Autumn approached Sam. "I’d recommend you aim those questions less at the 'mystery' and more at the good people involved. Only a bad person uses tragedy for their own entertainment, you know?" She smiled.

Bad people and good people can both be entertaining, so I can't follow this line of reasoning. And I'd hardly say being an observer to everything is bad either. I'm watching interesting things happen. It's great. I doubt I'll have many chances to talk to Ashley, but it's much easier for me to find Autumn, so this arrangement gives me the most to do. "I'll keep that advice in mind, thanks. If Ashley is a good person, then in that case, I hope asking her questions isn't a problem?"

"Of course not. If she has no objections." Autumn smiled, moving to leave.

Sam gives a

, then turns to Thomas and Aura again. "Well, you should be happy about this. I have more things to do now besides trying to ask you specifically questions for now. Go on with your daily life, I guess."

Autumn left. After a moment of silence, Thomas tried to leave with Aura. She stayed in place.

...It's pointless to try and figure out what she's trying to do. The few things she's said make no sense. I don't need another Sentasaurus ruining a conversation if she does start being more active. "Are you not going to drag her away or something? I'm apparently not supposed to meet without other people still here."

"I’m trying." Thomas. "Can I just speak to my bestie? …Nya?" Aura. "Don’t you understand that she’s dangerous?" Thomas.

"Sure, just whisper to her for a few seconds or something if it matters that much, I don't know. Get this over with."

"Thomas, I'm not going to do anything to her. Just let her say it. You can have her again after that; I won't stop you."

"…" He let her go. Aura rushed over to Ashley. "Heya, bestie!"

"...Hi, Aura. What's up...?" Ashley tries for another smile, but it's all messed up. She can feel tears coming to her eyes again, and she tries to fight them back.

"Sorry I wasn’t a great friend, haha… Just don’t worry about me, okay?" She made a timid smile. "I’m doin' just great. There’s… There’s nothing to worry about."

Ashley lowers her head, staring at the ground as she desperately avoids meeting her... friend's...? eyes. Ashley lowers her head, staring at the ground as she desperately avoids meeting her classmate's eyes. "It's alright, Aurora. That's just what I'm going to do from now on, alright? I'm not... g-going to worry about you anymore. I shouldn't have been doing that in the first place, after all."

Her cheery facade momentarily drops at word 'Aurora'. "Yeah… I’m rooting for you, okay? I’m sure you’ll help a lot of-" Thomas forcefully pulled her away. "…That’s enough."

...Is that her real name? Well, it's probably useless information. There's not much to say here. "That was nice. ...Well, go on."

((Waiting on cicada's response))

Ehn/PC

Her cheery facade momentarily drops at word 'Aurora'. "Yeah… I’m rooting for you, okay? I’m sure you’ll help a lot of-" Thomas forcefully pulled her away. "…That’s enough."

"…Th-Thanks… I'll do my best." Ashley nods.

Thomas tried to drag her away but she continued resisting. "Come on. Don’t do this now. Please… Delaying it won’t help." Aura's breathing grows faster. "…Just a bit more time. A bit more."

"What else could you possibly need to say?"

"Nothing. She’s just dragging this out. Come on." Thomas. "Just a bit more time." Aura. "Please."

"I'm really trying to ask questions here, and whatever you're planning to say, I doubt it will help. I'm not going to drag you away since I have to stay here, but if it can wait, that would be nice."

"Alex, can you shut up for a second?"

9:15 PM

She sighs. "Thomas, I already told you I wasn't going to do anything. Can you just let her finish?"

"...Okay."

"She has nothing to say. She’s just dragging this out." He started pulling harder, clearly hurting her. "Aura, please." She continued to stand her ground, her breathing increasingly erratic.

Since Ashley asked, I have no choice but to go along with... whatever this is. Sam appears a bit pensive, but decides to wait as requested.

"She obviously does, okay...?! Can you just listen to her? She's begging you to give her a chance here, even just a little...!" Ashley's voice wavers. "I know now that I'm powerless. I know that I never should have thought I was worth the chance to change whatever's going to happen. But even so... Can't you just let her speak for herself, for once?"

"Aura, do you really think she cares about you? You saw what happened earlier, when her master tells her to she rolls over like a fucking dog. She doesn’t care about you. People like her, they only care about appearances. Do 1 tiny good act and suddenly you’re a saint, regardless of everyone you hurt in the process. There’s nothing she can do to help you. She doesn’t care about helping you. You’re a pawn to her, a fucking pawn. You may think anywhere in the world's better than home, but that girl, Ashley, she’s a hundred times worse." Thomas. "I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go." Aura starts shaking.

Ashley doesn't say anything.

...! "Who got hurt in the process? And you're saying she prefers not to be at home? What if she just wants to be anywhere else at all, even if- ...Nothing." Sam remembers that he's not supposed to interfere in the conversation and goes back to dead silence.

Thomas and Aura continue the painful push and pull. "Aura, please! You have to think about this." Thomas continues to beg as Aura becomes more and more panicked.

After watching this for some time, Sam finally talks, but sort of just mumbles quietly to Thomas. "...If she's this desperate to say whatever few words she has left, then let her. We're just wasting even more time than if she didn't. Some people just prefer to be at school, or anywhere else besides home. Let her have this."

9:46 PM

I'm watching all this happen. It doesn't matter what she does, I just need to observe these interesting events transpire. That's it.

"...Don't you think I want her to have this?" Thomas finally pulled on Aura strongly enough, causing her to fall over as Thomas dragged her away.

Ashley looks at Alex for what she feels might be the last time, somehow. "...Any second thoughts about holding him down?" (edited)

"Well, and let her talk, then... You're not doing a good job of showing it if you think that." Are they already gone?

Thomas left without looking back.

".....Well, I guess he chose for us, then." She looks away.

"...I hate to admit to wanting to be involved at all, but yes. You may have had a point." He sighs, staring at the ground. "...You wanted to talk. I'm not sure why you wanted me to meet here at all. I was going to just let you ask questions, but after all this, I have a lot to say, so let me just get it out of the way." "...Usually, I don't tell my theories to people out of nowhere, especially when I don't have the entire solution. However, I think this is the best way for me to get information at the moment. And Aura... I think I've seen situations similar to hers before. I was planning to ask you much more, but I just don't feel like going for an interrogation right now." "Here's what I think happened. There's a lot I don't know, but I can surmise what's happened the past few days. For some reason, Thomas has been causing problems for Aura. I'm not surprised by that; if anyone here were to cause problems, it would be him. You're her friend, so whatever he was up to, you saw that and tried to resolve that. ...I have no idea what you were planning to do to her, but it certainly wasn't anything good, at least in the sense Autumn seems to think. Maybe you just wanted to take her away and be best friends. Maybe you wanted to send Thomas to jail. Or kill him, who knows?" "Regardless of what your plan was, this isn't a condemnation. From the perspective of a detached observer, I'd say I find this all quite interesting, in fact, much more so than yesterday. I don't mind whatever you're up to, and I won't stop you. ...But after this, I may even be willing to help you. So, I'm stating what I know." "Anyway, Autumn tried to stop you from doing this, recognizing this as bad. And she's a good person. But for some reason, she wanted Aura to stay with Thomas, and even talked to him about something that was probably along those lines, and that's what confuses me most. She essentially gave me a non-answer. I'd ask why, but... whatever. If you have something to say, go on." (edited)

"...Yeah, you pretty much got it, heh. That... was my plan up until yesterday." She breathes another shuddering sigh. "I wanted to save my best friend. I could tell she was suffering- how could anyone not? How could anyone act like she was just making it up for-... ...I only wanted things to go back to normal. And more than anything, I wanted Autumn to help me! She's the person who's been nothing but kind and helpful to everyone for as long as I've known her... she's the girl I'm in love with. I just... I don't understand why she was so convinced Aura was a bad person! I don't understand why no one wanted to believe her! Maybe she was right in the end... Maybe I shouldn't have tried to fight it... Maybe I was just wrong for thinking I could ever do anything to help someone so selfish. But couldn't someone have explained any of this to me, or told me anything, or-... I just- I don't know what- I-..."

10:38 PM

Ashley tries rubbing at her eyes again to wipe the tears away, but they just keep flowing out, so she only continues to cover her face with her hands. "I don't know if the kind of person I want to be is a good person anymore."

"I don't even know why I'm telling you this. I just met you last night, and it was only because I got interrupted in the middle of trying to kill him. I guess... you just feel like the only other person who's ever let me rely on anyone other than myself. Even if you're a stranger, even if you've never done anything to help me, I have this... this feeling that you're a good person just like Autumn is."

10:52 PM

She finally stops crying, sniffling a little. "Would you mind, uh... being my friend, from now on? I really don't want to go back home and explain all of this to my parents right now, and I was wondering if you knew whether I could, well... sleep over at her place for the night too, if there's room."

He continues to stare at the floor. "Well, just to be completely clear, unlike Autumn, I don't have much interest in being a good person, whether I am or not, and whatever either of you would define that to be. But I'm not going to be a bad person, I hope. Either way, I just want to see things happen. But in this case, some events have happened that make me want to do something...? It's weird that I've found any events to care about at all, let alone agreeing with someone I just met a day ago." He looks up. "Still, I've been in the position of wanting things to go back to normal, so I get it. I've... also been in the position of not knowing anything, having no answers to what's happening, and it was all quite annoying to me. What I'm doing now can all be thought of as a solution to that, and I'm almost surprised it's worked." "As for your question, are you not going to be friends with Aura? And don't you consider Autumn a friend if you love her? Well, regardless, I'm willing to be friends." ...Maybe she just wants to meet one person who isn't awful. I'd like to think I'm not. "That aside, I have no idea if there's room at Autumn's house. I'd probably have to go over and ask. It's probably been a while, so I could do that now, if you have nothing else to say. ...I do have to ask her some things, too. Her actions still confuse me. Beyond just leaving Aura there, I can't understand why she wouldn't try to save Aura. Seems like a good thing to me. There's the whole thing about killing Thomas, and I tend to be against most killing, but she didn't seem to take issue with people dying just earlier, so that's not really one of my questions." Though I am still curious about what she thinks as far as that goes... (edited)

((Ending the session here sorry. I’m tired))

11:17 PM

((Didn’t want to do that yet but I’m literally falling asleep as I type this))

((Good night Atmey))

((night atmey from discord))

((You should still posts words and tier lists so I can answer when I wake up))

((Redesigned Autumn for some reason. This captures her vibe better probably))

((she wears this to school and wears her previous design at home))

((Does this imply wig use))

((Yes.))

Ehn/PC

((Redesigned Autumn for some reason. This captures her vibe better probably))

((The old design was prettier... but yeah I agree this fits her better))

Sam Kidink

(( ))

(( @Ashley Laurier ))

((~~take your time, I may be busy for like 15 minutes anyway~~ back)) (edited)

((Okay I'm ready))

3:41 PM

Ashley winces at the mention of Aura, but doesn't elaborate about her. "O-Of course I consider Autumn my friend! I never said she wasn't, right?" She sighs. "Anyways, she's told me before that her house is open to anyone who needs her help, so I'm sure she'll have room if we ask. But... yeah, I don't really have much else to do right now, and I'm sure my parents won't mind me sleeping over at a friend's place for the night. I've done it before."

"She told me the same before, so I guess that make sense. And it makes sense for you to be friends if you're both good, right? Anyway, she's probably at home. She probably didn't go back to class, or maybe I don't know what time it is either and class is already over." "I do want to ask you what exactly Thomas is up to. I've got a vague idea, but if you know anything specific, that would be useful information. ...But in this situation, I guess I shouldn't expect an answer immediately. I'll just go. Are you coming too?" He starts to head over to Autumn's house.

"…Yeah." She follows him.

((Does this indicate silence until you get there or))

((Ashley will try her best to answer Sam's questions if he has any on the way there but she isn't really in an actively talking mood at the moment))

...If she's stayed over at a friend's place before, but she didn't explicitly say she went to Autumn's house, does that mean she went to the Nielsens before? Again, I probably can't get an answer right now. ...Should I be back to approaching the situation from this angle? I know what happened, shouldn't I approach this with at least some sense of involvement? ...No, never mind. At the end of the day, this is all still quite interesting. I'll figure out what I should or shouldn't do later. Sam ends up thinking to himself while walking there, not really saying much of anything.

4:03 PM

((yeah I have nothing to say right now))

They arrived at Autumn’s home.

Sam knocks on the door, assuming it's closed.

Mrs Peterson opened the door. "Hello!"

"Hello. Is Autumn here? Anyway..." He whispers to Ashley. "You should probably ask. I figure she'll probably be more receptive to someone who knows Autumn better than I do."

"Yes, she’s in her room." Mrs Peterson.

"H-Hi!" Ashley gives a nervous smile. "I'm Autumn's friend from school, Ashley. I heard that, uh, Alex here was staying at your house for the time being, and I just made friends with him too, so… I was wondering if I could sleep over here for the night and hang out with the both of them? If that works for you, of course…"

"Oh, well the guest room is busy right now, but I suppose you can bunk with Autumn." Mrs Peterson. Autumn's head pokes out from down the hall at the mention of her name.

4:23 PM

Ashley gives a shy wave.

"Hi, Autumn. Did you hear that?"

Autumn approaches the entrance, smiling. "Hm? No? What's going on?"

"I think Ashley wanted to come over to your house for the night. Probably to your room. ...Is that right?"

"Yes, your room is available, right Autumn?" Mrs. Peterson. Autumn is stunned for a moment. "No. Yes. No." "What are you saying, Autumn?" Mrs. Peterson.

Huh? I went to her room earlier this morning. There's nothing she could possibly need to hide there. "Well, it would be nice, and I can't think of any particular problems. Though I have no idea, of course." Sam makes a thinking expression and looks away.

"I figured we could catch up and talk to each other a bit after what a big day today was, you know?" Ashley smiles. "And besides, it's just always nice to be around you…"

"What I'm saying is that me and Ashley are just... Close." Autumn lets that word hang as if it implied a lot. "It'd just be inappropriate for us to share a roo-" "Are you refusing to take her in because of that?" Mrs. Peterson. "Yes, I'm just saying-" Autumn was interrupted again. "Shame on you, Autumn. We raised you better than to refuse help over something so trivial." Mrs. Peterson. "No, that's not what-" Autumn's still holding the smile but her eyes are clearly tearing up as she's interrupted again. "We raised you to be a good person. What kind of good person turns someone away over silly teenage romance!?" Mrs. Peterson. "THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M SAYIN-" Autumn. Mr. Peterson entered the room, following the commotion. "Don't talk back to your mother, young lady."

Ashley tries to say something in response to this, but it comes out as incoherent stuttering. She blushes and tries to look somewhere else.

I think it's absurd that they're arguing over trying to be good to each other, but it clear that things aren't as 'good' as they look. I don't doubt that they want to help, of course, but this is all quite ironic, and I couldn't have seen this coming either. You'd think that the parents here would be nice to everyone, at least. ...'Your parents love you dearly', you said, Autumn? "I wasn't going to interrupt, but it is really good for any of you to be arguing over each other? Not that I mind, of course, but what does being a good person really mean if either of you are interrupting the other?"

5:03 PM

...And I'm actually surprised that they're fully accepting of whatever's going on between Ashley and Autumn. You'd think that a town with a church would be against that or something. Then again, they're nice people. Of course they'd let this happen. "I've had some trouble wrapping my head around this, really."

Autumn takes a deep breath and regains her composure. "What I'm saying is that my room should be preserved to help a good person. Ashley doesn't- She has a safe place at home already. What would we do if someone else came in need of help tonight? You 2 certainly wouldn't give your roo-" Autumn was cut off again, clearly fracturing her planned smile. "You're on thin ice." Mr. Peterson. "Teenage romance, a few simple games, I mean- I mean, clearly we should keep my room available just in case. I can just talk to Ashley at school tomorrow." Autumn finally finished her words. "Is that true, Ashley?" Mrs Peterson.

It takes a bit for her to intake Mrs. Peterson's question, her mind still reeling from the topic of conversation. "Close"... "teenage romance"... god, what the FUCK, AAAHHH!!! I was going to wait for Junie to help me build up the courage to confess to her, or wait until the two of us were alone at least, but!! Fdfjgflsdjkfd;sdf!!!! She knows?? And feels the same way??? And her parents know too????? What am I supposed to say to that??????? Does this mean we're- are we- I have to ask her about this, there's no way this is happening, there's no way... "UH. I, um. We can... uhhh... I would, um... I mean, if it's, uh, all the same to you, I'd, ah... I would rather... talk with her, um, here... I mean, I guess we COULD talk at school tomorrow... it's just that, um... I, uh-..."

"Ashley, you're a good person, right? Then tell her the truth. You can just sleep at home." Autumn.

I seriously have no place in this conversation, which is funny. This happened before, right? Fortunately, I have no stake in any of this, so it doesn't matter. Well, anyway, Ashley wanted to come here, so it makes sense to help her with that, not to mention it would certainly make it easier for me to talk to either of them if they're both here. ...I mean, did neither Ashley nor Autumn really expect something like this? "Well, let's see. It's easy for you guys to talk here, and from what I heard, Ashley definitely wanted to be here, and if she's a good person, surely it's fine." He turns to Mrs. Peterson. "Though, Autumn did make a good point earlier. Do you guys ever give your rooms to other people?" (edited)

5:24 PM

"I don't plan on speaking for anyone, of course. That would be a bad thing to do. Sorry if I'm doing that." He steps back a bit.

Ehn/PC

"Ashley, you're a good person, right? Then tell her the truth. You can just sleep at home." Autumn.

"........" Ashley hesitates for a bit, but finally gets out a clear sentence. "I... really don't want to go back home tonight, Autumn..."

Sam Kidink

"Don't patronize your landlords." Mrs. Peterson.

Ashley Laurier

"........" Ashley hesitates for a bit, but finally gets out a clear sentence. "I... really don't want to go back home tonight, Autumn..."

"But you could. You could! Don't you want to be a good person, Ashley? Good people don't take things from those who might need it just because they don't WANT to." Autumn.

Ehn/PC

"Don't patronize your landlords." Mrs. Peterson.

Perhaps I shouldn't have expected an answer. If they're like this towards Autumn, then the correct way of proceeding is probably to ignore them. Not much I can get out of talking to people who behave like this. I don't have to deal with this, of course. "...Fine."

Ashley shakes her head. "I feel like I really do need this, though...! I can't spend another night alone without anyone to help me, especially not now that you... that you, uh..." She starts blushing again, and can't finish her sentence. "I mean, it's just for one night anyway, right...?"

"Plus, what if things were bad enough that she would want to stay somewhere else? Technically, no one has to leave their house, but can't things be bad enough that it becomes reasonable? ...Some things are necessary, but if everyone only did what they had to, they'd never move on."

Ashley Laurier

"Help you do what? You don’t need any help, right? You’re supposed to be a good person, not a victi-" Autumn. "Enough. If she needs our help, she can stay. Honestly, this has been incredibly embarrassing for us, Autumn. Think of others before you start acting like this." Mrs Peterson. "…Fine." The word left Autumn's lips like poison.

"Yay! Thank you, Autumn!" Ashley immediately breaks into a huge grin.

"Hm. I don't think this was embarrassing, but think what you will. Anyway, this is a good resolution." You know, if I had to deal with this all the time, I would probably get tired of doing good at some point. It's surprising that she's still a good person after all that.

"But you should probably tell your parents first. You wouldn’t want to worry them, right?" Autumn.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Thanks for the reminder!

" Ashley takes out her phone and calls her mother.

She doesn’t pick up.

"...Huh." She tries calling her father instead.

"By the way, Autumn, we said we'd talk at some point, right? When do you want to do that?"

Ashley Laurier

"...Huh." She tries calling her father instead.

He does pick up but like on a very late ring. "Hey there."

Sam Kidink

"By the way, Autumn, we said we'd talk at some point, right? When do you want to do that?"

"We can talk now. In private." Autumn.

"Hi, dad! I was just calling to let you know I'm sleeping over at my friend Autumn's house tonight. I'll be back home tomorrow after school."

Ehn/PC

"We can talk now. In private." Autumn.

"Very well. Let's go to your room." He waits for her to leave, then goes in that direction.

She goes into her room. ((Channel split))

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

She waits for Sam to enter and shuts the door.

"Well, she's calling her parents now." Reminds me of when I stayed at Kerloe Fishery and didn't call until the next morning. Not that I should mention that. "...I have a few questions, of course. That's why I came here in the first place. I mean, I'm taking your advice. I asked Ashley some questions, and now it's your turn." "I could ask what you think about being a good person, about Ashley, and so on. But first, do you want to talk about what just happened or not? I'll say this from the start: whatever you were up to, I don't fault you for. This is all quite surprising, but it's all quite interesting as well. This is your choice, I don't really have anything to ask about how parents are annoying. I know more than enough about that." (edited)

"What just happened? Are you talking about that situation with the Nielsens?"

"...No, about what happened like a minute ago." "You know what, it's fine, ignore that. Sure, let's talk about the situation with the Nielsens. I'm curious about your thoughts on Thomas and especially Aura. You were right earlier, maybe it's the right call to stay away from them. But I want to know more about what you think. What makes them bad people? Why help Thomas and Aura at all if they're bad people?"

She smiled. "…Before I answer that, would you promise not to tell Ashley anything?"

Wow, if they're already keeping secrets from each other, there's no way this will last for long. Probably. I'm sure there's worse out there. Either way, I can definitely play along for now. "Consider it done. I'm not sure why I would in the first place."

"This is for her, you know? She’s just not cut out to be a good person."

"You say that, but then why associate with her then? And if Aura was also a bad person, there was no need to pull what you did earlier. If they're all bad from your perspective, then what's the point of helping her? ...What is she unable to do that makes her unable to be a good person?"

"She’s always trying to help people, but she doesn’t really know how to. She’s so utterly naive. If she got too absorbed in helping Aura, she might go much too far. I’m just looking out for her, see?" Autumn's smile didn’t waver once.

I guess attempted... whatever Ashley was planning to do to Thomas probably doesn't count as helping. No point in bringing that up, of course. "So you're helping her, even though you thought she might do something bad? Why help bad people at all, really?" (edited)

"Helping people where I can is what defines me as a person. I may be too selfless for someone like you to understand, but every act I carry out is done for the act if helping others. If you’re ever in trouble, I’d even help you."

"And that's what makes you a good person, right? I'm not judging you for your decisions, and you might have a point. Me being here at all is because your family helped me out, after all. But you're right, I can't understand that. I tried to help someone once. Well, multiple times. And I didn't get anywhere with that. Whatever normal circumstances we were going for clearly fell apart." "Maybe I'm not cut out for it, just like Ashley. But as you said last night, it's clear that you and your parents haven't been met with failure, so what do I know? What do you think, are some people just not capable enough to help? Well, you don't need to answer this one." "Anyway, there are some things I can help out with, of course, if for some reason you have any plans. I didn't expect any of this, so this conversation has been quite worth it." (edited)

"I won’t be needing your help, don’t worry. I can handle anything by myself."

"Seems like that's what everyone in this family says, right? Everything's perfect, and everyone's nice to each other. A good premise in hindsight." "I don't doubt you. You handled the situation a few minutes ago well, so I look forward to seeing how the future plays out." "Should we go? Ashley's probably waiting to talk to you for the next few hours, and I'm sure you're looking forward to that as well. Feel free to talk about, I don't know. Whatever you talk about."

"Of course, I take after my parents well. Our neighbours say I’m a perfect child. I’m a far better imitation than Ashley." She moved toward the door.

"Well, we need imitations in the world, or else there would be no surprises. That would be quite uninteresting, wouldn't it? Some people have to be different. So, keep up the good work." He waits for Autumn to exit the room, then follows. After that, he checks the time, assuming no one else is there.

It’s around 6PM.

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / ashley-and-sam

It's later than I thought. Maybe the school incident really did happen around 4 PM...? I could try to go back to the Nielsens again later. After everything I've learned, there's definitely a lot more I could ask now. We'll see. "Nice to see all of you still here. So, Ashley, did the call go well?"

She nods. "Yep! He was fine with it."

"He was? Really?" Autumn.

"Yeah!

He said he'd see me tomorrow and that it was alright for me to be here for the night."

"Wow. He must… Really trust you." Autumn.

"Uh…" Ashley doesn't really know what to make of this comment. "I guess?"

"That's... yeah, it is surprising, actually. But I'm glad it worked out."

7:31 PM

From the way she talked earlier, I'm surprised her parents might actually be nice. Of course, I have no idea. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Um... I wanted to talk with Autumn as well, and I think it'd also be nice to talk with you about some stuff too. I mean, we are friends now, but I feel like we haven't really gotten to know each other that well yet."

"Well, I’ll be in my room when you need me." Autumn.

"I'll probably leave for a little while later tonight, but for now I can be in the house if you want to talk."

"Oh, I guess we should start now then." Ashley looks around. "Can we head to the room where you're staying here? It'd probably be better if we kept this conversation between the two of us."

"Sure." Sam goes up to the guest room and waits for Ashley to follow. Then, he shuts the door. "So, what did you want to talk about? If you're up for it, I still have my own questions, but you were the one who wanted to talk. This is probably what would've happened if things a few hours ago actually went normally."

"Haha, yeah..." she sighs. "I imagine both of our questions are about a similar topic, anyway. What I've wanted to know is, what kind of relationship did you have with Thomas Nielsen in the first place? When I first met you, you came off like you were already familiar with him in some way, but now you're the one asking me all of these questions about him. How much do you actually know about him and his family?"

"Well, that's an easy question. I know nothing. I walked up to Mrs. Peterson at some point and asked who she thought was 'interesting', and she pointed me in the direction of the Nielsens. Our relationship is me attempting to ask him questions and him refusing to answer any of them, which is quite annoying. So, if you know anything about him and his family, then I'm definitely curious."

"...Oh, I see. In that case, we're more or less in the same boat here." She crosses her arms and looks down at the floor wistfully. "Aura, his little sister, has been my- I mean... she was my friend for a long time. We'd hang out at school often and mess around together. It was nice, back then." "But a few days ago, I started to notice something was up with her. One day at school, I saw her brother dragging her home, and it looked like she really didn't want to go. So I thought, Aura's my friend, I should check up on her to make sure she's doing okay, right? I went over to her place to see how she was holding up..." "I didn't expect her to react the way she did at all. She started crying and yelling at me that I had to explain what I was doing there. That's when her damn brother, Thomas, came over and pulled me away from her. He told me to never come back to their house again." "I've never liked that guy, if I'm being honest. Maybe that's just petty of me... maybe I'm not a good person for thinking that... but I always thought there was something gross about him. And I was right. When I told him I just wanted to help my friend, who seemed like she was obviously really upset, he- he hit me." Ashley grimaces, her expression unstable. "That's when I knew he had to be the reason his sister was so upset. He kept trying to get me to stay away from her, to not look any further into anything, and it all pointed to him being the one abusing her and trying to keep me out of it."

8:23 PM

"Aura wouldn't tell me what was happening. Whenever I asked, she'd just avoid the subject. And I wanted to help her more than anything! I wanted things to go back to how they were before. So I asked Autumn what I could do to help her, but Autumn told me that- that she..." Ashley starts trembling a little bit again, the same way as she did earlier this afternoon. "Autumn said that Aura was never being abused. That both her and the police had looked into it already, and they found out that Aura was just making everything up to get attention instead of having any real problem. I guess Aura admitted to that today, too..." She hangs her head. "I didn't want to believe it. Honestly, there's a part of me that still doesn't. So I went to Thomas's house that night to try and... well... you know. I thought I could save her. But then their mom was at the door instead, and you showed up too. I missed my chance." "After that... I'm pretty sure you know the rest. I went to meet up with you. I was trying to find out anything from you that could help me get the upper hand on him. It's funny," she laughs in a self-mocking tone, "I wouldn't have found out anything useful anyways. And now Aura isn't my friend anymore. She's back at home with Thomas, probably. I still don't know whether to believe her about her having made everything up, you know? Right now, I feel like it's easier to just not think about it. I guess in a way, I gave up on her. Does that really make me a better person...?"

8:23 PM

Ashley falls silent.

Sam walks around for a little bit in circles for a little bit and starts thinking. If Thomas had a reputation in the past according to Mrs. Peterson, but Aura was more 'normal', yet everything has suddenly changed in the past few days, what could even be the reason? Was I wrong? Perhaps everyone was nice to each other at some point, but then issues started coming up. But there's no clear origin to any of this, is there? Maybe it was never meant to make sense. After that, he finally speaks up. "...From Thomas' refusal to tell me anything, I can see why you might not have liked him. And if he hit you, he's certainly open to crossing some boundaries which shouldn't be crossed. However, none of Aura's actions make sense to me either, though. It felt like she was an entirely different person in the two seconds she talked to you compared to the entire rest of that meeting, and if what you say is true, then when she was being dragged back earlier, history really was repeating itself. Plus, I have no idea why she would be making up anything, if at all." "Personally, I'd just say it's all incomprehensible and I would just give up on thinking about any of it. My best guess is that because she doesn't like being at home that one or both of her parents are up to something. If Thomas is at fault, that doesn't just come out of nowhere. But that's all I can reason through. Her actions are ultimately nonsense, and if such a person tried to come close to me, I'd avoid them." (edited)

8:51 PM

"How I see this is that sometimes you end up giving up. Maybe it doesn't make you a better person, but perhaps what happened really was necessary in the end. I understand that you were friends in the past, though, so it's difficult to move on. And I don't think the decision to move on or keep trying your way through an important event is particularly good or bad. What makes a choice valuable is not what the successful choice was. It's the approach." He sighs. "I've failed in the past - to help someone out - and it's surprising that I even got out of it safely myself, but I left people behind as a result. It's as I said earlier. I don't care much about being a good person, and me being here in the first place is a consequence of that, good or bad. ...While none of this is very personal to me, it is to you, so you should be careful about taking unnecessary risks. Make sure you understand as much as possible first." "...Well, anyway. Perhaps I've been talking for too long. What do you think?"

Ashley stares at him a little incredulously. "I really don't get you. Maybe her actions were hard to figure out, I'll admit that much. But that's exactly why I feel like I needed to help her instead of just ignoring the issue. If someone's suffering, you don't just toss them aside because you can't understand why." She crosses her arms, now annoyed. "It might be easier to just give up thinking about it because it's difficult to understand. But I don't want to just take whatever's the easiest way out! Your excuses to not care about people might work for you because you don't think it matters to be a good person, but it does. And I hate myself for being so passive like this! The only reason I stopped trying to help her is because I'm not sure whether she deserves it anymore. That's got nothing to do with your noncommittal attitude towards your morals." Having said this, she pauses. "...You did help me realize what I should be doing, though. Instead of just standing around here feeling sorry for myself, I should be trying to find out for sure whether she really is a bad person. Thanks for that."

"See, that's my solution, but it's also the problem. I don't actually know people here that well. It makes it easy to simply look at things from the perspective of whatever seems enjoyable, because if it goes wrong, it's technically not my problem. I don't like making things my problem, and if it's unnecessary to get to know someone, then I won't." "However, you know Aura, and you probably did - have? - for years. So, I imagine it should be much easier for you to have a chance at understanding what she's doing. And if you think it matters to be a good person, then I suppose it makes sense for you to have that goal. I think it's good to understand what's going on. I'm sure at least part of her wants you to figure this out if you put your mind to it." "How did you two become friends initially? That could help you figure out what might've changed. ...And, perhaps more importantly, let's say you find out she's not a bad person. Does that necessarily make her good, and what would you do then?"

9:30 PM

Actually, is it really a problem at all? It works for me. But her perspective is definitely different, so I suppose it's fine to approach things this way.

"If I find out she's not a bad person... well..." Ashley hadn't really considered that. "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, I guess. no use worrying about it right now when I still don't think there's enough proof in either direction. Thanks for the advice otherwise, though." "...And by the way, I really don't think the way you think is healthy. Right now you don't seem like a bad person, but being so uncritical of the world around you is a real easy way to become one. If you keep avoiding things because they think they're 'not your problem', one day you're going to find out that they actually are, and that day won't be a very happy one."

I guess I won't get an answer to 'how they became friends initially'. I don't know what I would use that information for anyway. "Well, there are things I am critical of, and I'm sure you have an idea of some of them. However, Autumn seems to think of being good as based on what you do. If you don't do anything bad, then can you really be a bad person? I don't know what you think being a good person means, but I assume it's similar." "...I'd be quite surprised if any of this ends up being my problem, but if it does, then I hope that day doesn't come. But I've found ways around that in the past, so I'd like to think I would be able to still. Well, I'm glad you consider me not to be bad for now, even if it's not a way I would approach things. And as I said, I hope to still be active in this situation, whether it's my problem or not."

She frowns at his words, opening her mouth to say something multiple times before closing it again each time. Finally, she simply says, "Did you have anything else you want to ask me?"

Well, that was a good conversation. I'd try to continue it, but I don't have any good follow-ups. I'll just move on. "Maybe I'm overcomplicating this, sorry. Anyway, I have one more question, though it's completely unrelated. Autumn mentioned before about you being active online, I think...? What do you do there?"

Ashley laughs a little uncomfortably. "Oh, I... just make posts about games and anime I like, I guess. Have you heard of Ace Attorney before?"

Oh. Probably nothing related to anything happening here. I guess I shouldn't have expected much out of this, but they are mysteries, so it's a reasonably entertaining discussion topic. "...I have, surprisingly. I played a few mystery games here and there, some of them adjacent like 'Danganronpa'. You may have heard of it."

((This is the worst story ever))

((this is your fault))

10:29 PM

((well technically it's bob smith's fault. don't ask))

"Oh, huh! That's a neat coincidence, hehe. Well, Danganronpa isn't really my thing, even though I've played it before... I'd rather just take the good parts like Hiyoko and Kaede and put them in a good series that isn't, you know, problematic." She rolls her eyes saying this like she expects Alex to agree with her. "If you've played Zero Escape, it's basically like Danganronpa except well-written."

"Oh, most of the mysteries weren't very interesting, so I didn't really enjoy most of Danganronpa. I mostly brought it up because people have heard of it. And yeah, I know Zero Escape." This is getting dangerously close to territory I'd rather avoid, so I should probably just move on. "...Anyway, I take it you care more about Ace Attorney. But I also suppose it's getting a bit late. You did want to talk to Autumn, so I hope I'm not holding that up."

"Ah, good point! I lost track of time again, heh..." She looks embarrassed. "I'm probably going to head over to talk with Autumn now, yeah. It was nice talking with you, though, even if we do disagree on some things. I'm... glad I met you." Ashley turns to the door as she's saying this so that Alex can't see her expression.

"It was a good conversation, yeah. I'm glad." Sam leaves after Ashley and goes to exit the house unless something happens in-between. (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam is outside.

Sam begins to simply walk around outside for a bit. All of this is slightly overwhelming. I'm starting to remember why I never really engaged with school conflicts. But this is different. Everything happening is quite surprising, and it's nice to see. There's a few things I could do now. I'd really like to think about everything, but it's been surprisingly difficult considering everything that's happening. I need to write this all down at some point. Should I figure it out now? There are people I could try to talk to again like Thomas. I do want to hear what he has to say, but I doubt he's going anywhere, so maybe later. He proceeds in the direction of the forest and stops around the edge, if possible. ((sorry for not doing this ahead of time and instead asking while basically not taking an action at all))

2:27 PM

I came back here yesterday. It wouldn't hurt to make this a bit of a routine. I might as well give myself something 'normal' to do every day, and I certainly don't mind coming out here. It's... freeing, in a way. ... That's right. I forgot what I said in that conversation with Gordon. I talked so much about being tracked online, yet I failed to consider someone just finding where I am myself. A needless complication, really. "Maybe someone put a tracking device on me while I was unconscious, or something". ...I forgot about all that. Maybe I'll have to change my clothes entirely to avoid being recognized? That might be quite difficult. But I should be fine regardless. Sam checks his clothes to try to make sure he doesn't still have any sort of tracking device on him.

((Roll))

(())

2:30 PM

((3))

Nothing.

Am I overthinking it? ...I don't exactly remember how he reacted at the time, but I doubt all of this. Should I just check again later? I could be missing something, but... It's all in the past. Whatever. Where can I start with all of this? Whatever internet nonsense I was going was irrelevant, but that's fine unless Autumn somehow knows who I am now, but I doubt it. Speaking of which, I suppose she's faking her way through everything. That's the picture I got, and I respect that. Sometimes, you just have to do things, like in school, but then again, there were people like that at my school all the time. I suppose it's just different because I don't know anything about this school? It's a perfect solution. The less I know at the start, the more intriguing figuring everything out is. It's as I said yesterday. Being in an entirely new location to observe everything makes all of this more interesting. I can keep going on setting up my daily life while watching all of this unfold. ...But I did tell Ashley I would get involved. That was a great conversation. She has an interesting perspective on being 'good', but I'm not sure if she believes in anything at all despite how opinionated she is. Isn't that all a bit shallow? ...Well, it's certainly not a permanent issue.

2:48 PM

In regards to the situation, I suppose there is something I can do. The mistake I made before... I don't know what mistake I made. I did everything right, otherwise I wouldn't be here. But I get that home conditions are bad sometimes. And even though I can't say I understand what either Thomas or Aura are up to, especially the latter, I think their parents are most likely the problem. I should try to understand the situation, maybe pull Thomas out of it as well. Get him to not stay at home, whatever his business is... There's so many more interesting things to do. Unless I'm missing something interesting happening there. ...I just want to know, really. Ashley said something was going on at the Nielsens, but despite everything she said, which is in theory convincing, she never actually found any evidence. She said that herself. Can I figure out what's really going on? Sam goes towards the Nielsens' house and knocks on the door. (edited)

Thomas is on the stairs in front of the door, staring at the ground. (edited)

"Oh. Hi. ...Is something the matter?"

"…You again."

I should try to approach this by not asking questions because that's what I promised I'd do, but is there any way I can get information besides that? This is all an annoying restriction, but I doubt I'd get anywhere by breaking it. "After what happened earlier today? Yes. Well, as I said, I'm not here to ask about everything, or what happened earlier. I was there, after all. But I'm sure anyone wouldn't expect someone to just be out here on the stairs."

"I don’t… Want her to see me."

Who? I'd like to ask, but that's probably unhelpful. It's either Ashley or Aura. Aura's inside, but she could come out here whenever she wants, so it's probably not her. In that case... "Ashley's definitely not coming, at least not today, if you were wondering about that. Though I don't know what exactly your problem with her was."

"It’s not like I want to see Ashley either, but I doubt she’s coming. She’s an obedient lapdog before she’s a dangerous psychopath." He speaks these insults with miserable disinterest.

So, not her? Maybe his mom? Either way, the person he's talking about is probably inside. Maybe I should try to make more of these statements to get answers without directly asking for them. "Well, you did say that she just listens to what Autumn says. Maybe you're right, that was weird. But I think they have their disagreements, and the whole thing they have going on either seems like typical teenage romance, and if not that entirely nonsense. So it's not much of a concern to me." "Anyway, if not her, I suppose I get why you're outside. Doesn't seem like anyone else is leaving the house, after all. I find it better to walk around than sitting, but that's just me."

"I just want to sit here without thinking of anything. I don’t need you to pile on the pressure."

"Aren't people usually always thinking of something? Especially when there's a lot going on. There's no way I'd keep track of everything and have any idea what I'm doing otherwise." He sighs. "Should I stop?"

"…Yeah.” He sighed. "It’s not like I’m not thinking at all. I just want to drown it out. If I can deserve that much."

"Well, you being out here probably means no one's out to get you, so you're certainly allowed to be outside here, if nothing else. Better than being forced not to."

"No one’s out to get me. I know. But don’t you think I’d deserve it?"

Does he know? It's a bit of a contradiction for me, because whatever he's up to doesn't make sense to me at all, but I still want to figure things out and maybe resolve what's happening. Yet Thomas refuses to answer my questions, which is annoying, and I can't understand Aura at all. Does it really make sense for me to care and do anything if I'm not going to like the end result? ...I don't know. It's all pointless to think about. I'll figure out what I should do after this conversation. "Maybe. After dragging Aura away like that. And I can't say I approve of staying at home if the circumstances are bad. It's all quite annoying, but fortunately, I've chosen to consider this an interesting problem rather than something I outright dislike. For now, at least. And I've never been the type to care about justice. Not everyone is cut out to be a 'good person'." "So maybe you deserve it. Probably, even. But I wouldn't know what exactly you did."

"…It’s refreshing."

"What is? Doing something that you'll regret later?"

"No, I mean… You. You’re refreshing. This whole town, it’s suffocating. Everyone wants to be the Petersons. It’s the first time I’ve met someone who didn’t care about feeling like a good person."

So he does recognize the situation. That's good. I haven't really been able to talk about my thoughts on the situation with anyone, so even if I don't get what he's up to, his reaction to this could be good. "Is that so? Well, maybe that's because of how I came here. Just yesterday, that was my exact impression. I figured everyone wanted to be a nice person and all that, and it was all quite boring to me." "But if you're looking for assurance on your thoughts, let's just say that even the Petersons aren't as good as they seem. I'm not even sure if anyone here is. When I found this out, it was all quite interesting to me. So perhaps you're not as alone as you think. Perhaps everyone here is an actor at the end of the day. I just care less about hiding the truth." ...I have a few theories as to what's going on, which is already way more than yesterday.

"I don’t think anyone's a good person. But those that try to be are the worst of all."

"Can it really be called trying if it's not even the goal?"

"I don’t care for semantics but it is the goal. They’re not being good people to do things, they’re doing things to be good people. It’s all about what makes them feel better about themselves."

"Maybe. Can you say that for sure? I've had multiple different ideas. For example, maybe everyone's trying to be good because they're worried about what others will see of them, not necessarily what they think of themselves. ...Does what you're saying make you someone doing things to be a bad person? Isn't your reaction because of what other people are doing?"

"I’m not trying to be a bad person. I just understand now."

I'm a little confused, but I should just say something. "If you think you've got the answer, then suit yourself, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. There's always unexpected events in everything, even if I try my best to understand all of it. That's why I prefer to think of this as everyone being bad but pretending to be good. It's more exciting." "...Anyway, if you're not doing anything bad, then what could you be punished for?"

"I never said I wasn’t doing anything bad. I’m… A terrible person. I just acknowledge it."

"That's fair..." He trails off. But isn't that a bit simple? It might have been interesting that he was a terrible person before, but now that matters less considering everything that happened today. Well, as long as he's up to this, he's certainly contributing to the events which have occurred, so maybe I shouldn't be so critical. "If you're acknowledging it, then what's there to feel bad about?"

"Do you not understand what’s going on here yet?"

"What I understand is different from what you understand. I understand the individual details, but I've never been the best at putting together an overall picture. Should I ask you directly? 'What are you doing to Aura?' I figured you wouldn't be willing to answer, so I'm acknowledging the result instead."

"I’m not doing anything. But my parents… They’ve never liked her." He buried his head in his hands.

So my main theory was correct. I suppose asking him what he did was what I should've done from the start, but I couldn't have known that. In either case, asking questions indirectly like this could be a good way of getting information. "...I had that as an idea in mind. It does open up a lot of questions I figured you wouldn't want to answer, but if you're open to answering... Why do they dislike her? What have they done, in that case? And lastly... Actually, just these two for now." I mean, I can imagine why someone would dislike Aura, but I doubt it's the same in this case, and if their parents are up to something, I can't support it regardless of that. ...It's like with Thomas. Maybe I should consider taking action in this situation regardless of what I think of either of them because they're still major parts of the interesting events which have occurred. Why not? If I were to do anything, I could deal with the result later.

"I don’t need you analyzing everything. Honestly, I don’t understand what’s made you take interest in us at all."

So he knows I'm an outsider to this. Well, I did more or less say that earlier. "It's something for me to do. I'm all for going about normal days, and I even encourage that. Everyone should be able to be free from problems at home or wherever else. After hearing what others have had to say about the topic, that's what I think. Plus, meeting people, figuring out what's going on, understanding the situation, there's always a lot to do out there. I like seeing things happen. It's better than just going to school or work every day without doing anything else. If there are interesting events, there are always new things to learn on your own terms." "Well, I figured you wouldn't want to answer those questions, but I will say that I don't like what your parents are doing, and I don't know why you're going along with it. So, aside from analyzing the situation, I'll admit to caring slightly."

"…You talk like you’re desperate not to be particularly involved but I don’t buy it. This, the whole… Teenage detective. Is it some kind of persona?"

"...What do you mean? I'm not a huge fan of those. Most of the ones I've seen walk in and solve the entire case without trying, and they don't even spend time thinking about it. That's a waste for everyone involved, and seeing that trope gets boring after a while. I'm looking for the answers to be unique and surprising. And I don't plan on gathering everyone in a room to announce the answers." "I think asking questions is itself involvement. For me, it's a matter of my personal understanding. Perhaps I will be involved if it helps me understand more, so long as it's not clearly nonsense."

"It’s useless. I don’t get you at all."

"And that's fine. I'm not really trying to be understood. I'd be surprised if people did. That's why it's fine to consider me as irrelevant, even if I do end up doing something."

"So everyone has to explain themselves except you?"

"No, that's itself an interesting way of going about things, though it does often make me more likely to want to figure out the answers. You're free to try and understand what I'm doing as well, but I don't think there's much more to say besides what I've already explained. Even if there was, would you care?" "...Either way, there are many people out there who are receptive to questions, even if not everyone is. Saying 'everyone' without any exceptions is always overgeneralizing."

"Honestly, I don’t really care how you treat people. I’m not exactly one to talk."

"I would guess so based off what you said earlier. I take it you're still not open to elaborating?" Ashley was right. I shouldn't expect people to just say everything after a day. But that's fine.

"What is there to elaborate on?"

"Well, things like 'why are you going along with whatever your parents are up to?' That was the last question I was thinking about earlier. But it's fine." There's a lot more I could do besides keep trying to accomplish anything here anyway.

"What else would I do? If she avoids them, they’re just angrier and it… Gets worse. I just want to minimize the damage where I can."

"That doesn't make sense. You practically dragged her away earlier. If she's going to be stuck at home anyway, why not let her stay outside longer? ...Is she on some sort of fixed schedule? Are things somehow worse if she stays even a minute longer? What if- ok, you probably understand the situation better than I do." He looks away. If I were in this situation, I would just run from it at some point, but perhaps I can't expect everyone to think that way.

"She was already late by that point. I just… Didn’t want to make it worse. You’re free to judge me if you want. You won’t exactly be breaking new grounds."

"If I was late already, I would probably skip altogether - seems useless to try. I would run from the entire situation at some point. Plus, I hardly see how any of this is worse than hanging out with Ashley, for example." "Well, much like I'm not in the business of caring about being good, I'm not in the business of making judgements either. I'm disappointed, but..." It's an interesting decision? I didn't expect him to actually be trying to do something good despite what he says, so the surprise was worth it? Is this really the right way to think about this? Should I be more critical...? I should just answer. "...Sure. Maybe that's how it is. As I said, I'd run from that, but maybe that wouldn't make sense to you."

"Running is worthless. The police is just going to catch us."

"Well, the police I know are just incompetent. Are you sure about-" Ashley said the police had looked into it already. Is this a consistent series of events? It probably is. "...Have you tried?" Should I really care about helping? I came here to be an outsider to everything. I don't need to give actual advice as long as everything turns out an interesting way. Well, okay, it doesn't matter. As I said, there's always other things I could do anyway, and I'd rather not have to deal with thinking about this. I'm sure if they try hard enough that they would escape eventually.

"…No. But I can’t say I’m that confident. And if we fail, things will only get worse."

"Then I would plan towards that end to make it possible. Fake your own death, even, who knows. Just anything that might work. Neither of you are really living if you're stuck there all the time, constrained in what you can or can't do, whether it's the current situation or a worse one. It's pointless like that. ...Though I suppose I've never been much of a risk-taker, so maybe I just think it's easier because it's not me anymore and it probably wasn't as bad." After thinking over what he just said, Sam sighs again. "Well, congrats, you got me to explain more. I wasn't expecting to end up thinking about any of this when I came here. But you're definitely not pulling any tricks. Consider my advice as directed towards your safety rather than any intrigue I might have." He turns away to leave. "Anything else?"

"I never expected you to be such an optimist."

"I'm not. I simply believe it's hard to have worse than your current situation. And also because I wouldn't be here otherwise, and because not doing anything didn't help me."

"Didn’t help you?"

"...As you might say, there's not much to explain."

"I don’t know how you’d expect me to listen to you if you keep acting like this."

"...I wasn't really expecting you to listen. I've never been good at listening to other people, after all. So it's just advice that exists. Consider it a mystery, if you will. You have time to think. Saying more probably wouldn't help me." Sam is noticeably a little strained, but responds normally anyway.

"…"

"...Do you get why I take interest in events which I'm not personally involved in now?"

"No." He got up. "…But you’ve cleared my head somewhat."

"Good, that's what I thought. I figured I'd see how you would react if I vaguely alluded to some nonsense instead of asking you questions." "Anyway, glad to hear that. Good luck escaping this city."

"I don’t think that’s going to happen. …But good luck to you too. You’re stuck in this crazy town with me."

"We'll see about that."

"Just be careful." He went inside.

Sam returns back to Autumn's house, a bit overwhelmed and not thinking about much. He then checks the time and if anyone is there.

It’s nighttime. Everyone’s asleep.

Sam returns to the guest room. ...I really needed that walk back. I'm confident all of this can be resolved. It makes sense to help in this situation, even if Thomas doesn't visibly want it. That's enough personal involvement for a day, though. He's right, I could be a little more careful. When I do get involved, I don't need to talk about myself. But I'm enjoying everything that's happening, and either way, I am stuck here. And I'd say that's good. And Autumn and Ashley... Who knows what they're up to. But I'm certain that will be interesting, regardless of what happens with Thomas or Aura, and I can ask some things later. That's what I've decided to do. ...And I'm thinking about finding something to do so I can stay in this town. Sam checks to see if he has a tracking device on him again.

9:25 PM

((2 if you need a roll)) (edited)

Nothing.

...Everything's probably fine. Sam puts his backpack away in a corner and decides to sleep, assuming nothing else happens.

((The chapter ends.))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

4: Almighty Grasp

12:08 PM

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam wakes up in the guest room again.

Another day. I'm glad to be in this town after everything. It still almost feels surprising, in a way, that I'm here at all. But I did make it. I said I'd stop worrying about that. I'd like to just go about my normal day, but, despite that, there's some things I can do. It's not like there was anything else I had in mind anyway. If I'm going to help anyone else escape, however good or bad this town is, then I need to act soon, right? ...The police must really be a bunch of 'good' people if they overlooked whatever was happening at the Nielsens. Well, that doesn't interest me anyway. Meanwhile, Ashley and Autumn are both here. Maybe. It's a schoolday still, and there's lots of time until it ends. They'll probably still go, even after all this. It makes sense. Sam heads downstairs to see who's there.

Autumn and her parents are down there. Ashley is not.

She's probably still in Autumn's room. I'm not really in the business of waking people up for oversleeping, though. Well, I should ask anyway. Not that this is particularly helpful, but it's as I said: considering the context yesterday, this isn't a waste of time. "...Morning. Did Ashley leave?"

"In the middle of the night." Mrs Peterson. "I did warn you." Autumn.

Huh? Then why did she come over at all? Did I miss something? I doubt she would ever leave Autumn's room for any reason, let alone the house. "...That's not good. How did you find out? Any idea what happened? It must've been very important."

2:31 PM

Did Autumn know, actually? She said she warned them, but how or why?

"No, I’m sure it’s just Ashley being Ashley. I’ll ask her at school. You don’t have to worry about that."

I'm sure that as long as her parents are here, Autumn isn't going to speak freely anyway. I'm not even sure if she would in front of me either. "Sounds reasonable to me, Autumn. ...Anything else I should know, Mrs. Peterson?" Should I go check as well? ...I have better things to be doing, right? (edited)

"No, that's all." Mrs Peterson. "What about you? How did you sleep?" Autumn.

"I see, thanks." He turns to Autumn. "...Fairly uneventfully. I've never really thought about it. Thanks for asking, though. How about you?" That's an unusual question. Were they talking about that earlier? And why? Maybe because someone left in the middle of the night, I guess? Anyway, I don't recall anything. I've never been the type to dream, anyway, and I doubt it would make sense even if I did. And nothing else happened either. (edited)

"My sleep was great. The kind you get after a job well done. I hope you won't disturb my sleep tonight by getting any weird ideas into Ashley, okay?"

Did I miss something happening? ..Is she concerned about what we talked about last night? Well, I don't think I could accurately summarize that conversation. And what sort of job did she get done? She talked to her, I guess. Maybe that counts. If Thomas is right, she might've done 'something', but I doubt it could be much of an issue, at least not for me. Plus, I am interested in seeing what sort of 'good' acts she tries to pull now. ... "I'm glad you did something good. And don't worry, I'll assure you that she was the one lecturing at me yesterday, if anything. She told me about helping people and so on. ...I don't think I've done anything wrong, but if I did, then we can talk whenever. This isn't something you should lose sleep over, at least."

"But... You're not from around here. You don't understand Ashley as well as I do. Your input could... Confuse her, rather than help her. The last thing we need is her running around without stability, right?"

Considering what she said to Thomas at school yesterday, I'm sure she'll be off running around on her own regardless. That's not my fault. Maybe I would give advice if it made things happen, but things are already happening. Thomas aside, there's no need for me to have done anything. Maybe I said something during my conversation with Ashley yesterday, but I don't think anything I said constituted "input". It didn't change anything about the situation. Even if for some reason she listened in on our entire conversation, that doesn't make sense to me. Wait, that's right! She was going to kill Thomas. Did she seriously leave to do that last night? That would be bad now. It's better if he just disappears instead. I should check, right...? ...Well, nothing I do immediately can change that. For now, I should resolve this, right? "...Yes. I'm saying that I didn't provide any input, at least any that she listened to. She was the one giving me advice, and she was the one who wanted to talk. And I know that I'm not from here." "...If there's something wrong, then we could go to your room to talk." (edited)

"Oh, there's nothing wrong. I'm just worried about what the kind of person who brings Ashley for a sleepover here would do in a more... Prolonged, relationship. But let's assume you've learnt from that and grown, right? I can be the better person and forgive you." Autumn. "You're the one who tried to kick her out, Autumn. It's on you she didn't feel welcome. Don't feign moral superiority." Mr. Peterson. Autumn bites her lip, clearly hurt, but doesn't respond.

Oh, is that what this is about? She thinks she's losing control of the situation? I mean, considering how she treats Ashley, this isn't surprising. But I would rather watch than be roped into causing problems for myself, so I should definitely assure her this is the case. She can do whatever. ...Actually, this makes a lot of sense. If Ashley and Aura were friends in the past, but Autumn preferred for Thomas to keep Aura at home, then she's probably worried that I'm doing the same thing. But I'm not Aura. "For the record, that was also Ashley's idea, and specifically because she wanted to be with you. ...I can't see why you'd turn down a sleepover with her. Tell her not to come over here at the same time as I do, if that fixes the situation for you." "...In any case, sure, I've learned from that. I'm not trying to cause problems. I'm just here to watch."

"To watch?"

"Yes. I'm supportive of the relationship you have going on, however it is." She's right, she probably understands Ashley better. We talked about games last night, but I'm not sure how much I actually understood of what was more important. I care about understanding, and the way things are makes it easier for me.

"You want to watch our relationship? That's... Strange." She looks uncomfortable.

"Not literally. ...Just ignore me, as I said before. I'm really trying not to cause problems."

"Well, that's a good first step. But I think you'll find that good people fix their problems. Like me." Autumn notices that her mother has started looking at her strangely, so she quickly adds: "And my parents, of course."

Did she really need to include her parents in this? I noticed Mrs. Peterson seemed to force that onto her. But I really need to get Autumn off my case. "Well, I'll consider that, then. I've seen you fix your problems more than some others anyway."

"More than some others isn't an achievement. Hitler fixed more problems than a dead baby." Mr Peterson. Autumn is made physically uncomfortable at the implied comparison to a genocidal tyrant. "How about this. If you need any help, I'll do my best to help you. Just call." "If you were good at it, he'd already know to call." Mrs Peterson.

Sam pauses for a bit after Mrs. Peterson's comment, but decides to ignore the part about the historical figure from Mr. Peterson. Where did this argument even come from?! Now I'm stuck here too, aren't I? I suppose I approached this the wrong way. There's a lot I really don't get still. I have to figure out more so that this doesn't happen again. "...Why does it have to be an achievement? She's done good from what I've seen, but correct me if I'm wrong. And I don't have a phone anyway, so I can't take calls." (edited)

"It's not enough to do 'good'. We do great. Autumn here's slacking behind and acting like she's better." Mr. Peterson. "No, I would never-" Autumn. "This is a conversation between me and this young man. Don't interrupt your father." Mr Peterson. Autumn shuts up.

...And you aren't acting like you're better? This is a more annoying situation than dealing with Autumn, actually. It doesn't feel like I could say anything here that might help my case. I guess I should just ask what either of them are doing. Maybe that will at least get me some information. "And how do you do that? Yesterday, Mrs. Peterson was only talking about doing good. I take it you help others as well? I haven't seen Autumn falling behind, but that may just be me."

4:02 PM

"There's a lot I need to understand about doing anything, so I hope my questions aren't coming off as bad."

"No, no, curiosity is important. It's a landmark of any real man." Mr Peterson.

...Is he one of those types that cares about 'traditional values'? I suppose it makes sense, coming from a 'good' town with a church. But this doesn't really interest me. If I was a girl, I would still be asking questions. Or, to put it another way, both men and women can be interesting. I still have to play along, though. It's less interesting having less questions I can ask. "...Thanks. So can you tell me how you do great things?" (edited)

"Charity fundraisers. Policework. Actually voting for the things that matter. Things on a big scale, more than just helping some neighbors." Mr Peterson. It is a somewhat obvious fact that Autumn is a minor.

...Policework? You work for the police? ...I see now. This is definitely what I should ask about, since he may be able to say something about a topic that otherwise makes no sense to me. And none of those things are things Autumn can even do. And voting doesn't actually matter despite what people say. These things sure 'look' impactful, though, so I get what's going on. Not that it's all that interesting. "I see, that does sound like it is on a big scale. You mentioned policework? Isn't that a bit complicated? What do you do there?"

"Many different things." He stands up, proud. "There's not a lot of crime in this community, but my work is still very honorable. We Petersons are pillars of this town." "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go to my room." Autumn hurriedly tries to leave. "Sit down, young lady." Mrs Peterson. Autumn does as instructed.

Sam stares a bit incredulously at this sight. How important can this be, seriously? It's not like Autumn needs to be here to listen to this, also. ...I should just focus on my goal. "I- uh... that's cool! Do you have... examples of incidents in the past you helped with? I'm curious now."

"Oh, not much. It’s more patrolling than resolving any incidents. But my presence alone keeps people safe." Mr Peterson. Autumn seems clearly impressed by this for some reason.

...So much for doing things. "...Must be a lot of effort, then." He shoots a quick glance at Autumn like Is this serious? "Let me think. I remember you once brought up the Nielsens. If they're interesting, maybe they really did something. ...Almost forgot them, though." (edited)

Autumn doesn’t seem to understand Sam’s disappointment. "Yes, they’re old coworkers. They got transferred to a different precinct, but we keep in touch." Mr Peterson.

...Maybe she's impressed that I'm actually playing along with this, or for some other reason. I really shouldn't read too much into it, anyway. "Really? Surely there's only one precinct for this town, though, right...? I mean, well, that would let you have an impact over the largest possible area."

"Yes, they work in another town." Mr Peterson.

And I'm quite sure there's only one other town. That's why, isn't it? Why they don't make sense here. They fit much better in that dumb town. I'll just move on. I suppose if I were to try and get Thomas to escape, he would need to go to a third town. "...Oh. Okay." ...I'll ask about his general philosophy behind this. That's probably slightly more interesting. "So, if you could make a larger impact than just in this town, would you?" (edited)

"Are you implying I don’t already?" Mr. Peterson.

"Not at all. This is all quite impressive. I'm just suggesting that you're right. Maybe people can always do more."

"I’ve done as much as I can for this community. Don’t underestimate my efforts." Mr. Peterson.

"I see. If you're doing all you can, that makes more sense. I'll try harder. The advice I've received from good people has been useful."

"I should head to school." Autumn.

"And I should probably go as well, if there's nothing else."

"Alright. Have a good day." Mr Peterson.

5:22 PM

Autumn rushes outside.

Sam also leaves quicker than usual. Wow. I feel like I just heard someone narrate a wikipedia article. At least it's not personal. That would be much more annoying. Is Autumn already gone?

Autumn is visible outside.

"Autumn, do you have a second?" He calls out.

"Oh, sure!"

"Thanks." Her responding means that I'm probably not getting a sincere answer here, but I might as well try anyway. "Do you think that conversation made sense? What either Mr. Peterson or I said?"

"Oh, of course my dad made sense. He's a very logical person."

"Interesting. I agree, actually. It made sense to me and was quite consistent." "...Do you agree with what he said?"

"Ah- Well... I'd say I do more than he thinks. I'm a good person, you know? But of course, I'm not one to pick fights with my father. That wouldn't be very good of me."

This is, of course, ignoring the time that did happen, but considering that she basically completely ignored it when I brought it up the first time, there's no point. I can't really care if it happens again, anyway. Mr. Peterson isn't strange, but it's impossible to have an interesting conversation with people like him. ...On the other hand, I could probably have a good conversation with Autumn, but I'm realizing I don't even know what I want to talk about, and if she's going to go find Ashley, there's no point wasting her time. "Well, I suppose so. I agree, fighting with parents isn't useful. Anyway, that's all I wanted to ask. I take it you're going to help Ashley, right? Have fun with that."

"I'll try." Autumn.

...Aren't you supposed to be competent enough? "Good luck, then. If you need it."

"Oh, I don't need luck. I mean I'll try to have fun. That's all."

"...I know. I just figured you'd be more confident that you would have fun." (edited)

"Oh- Of course I'm confident. Why wouldn't I be? There's no need for you to doubt me."

"...Yes. I'm not doubting. As I said before, don't read too much into it."

"I'm not. Why would you assume I am?"

"Some people worry too much about certain things. That's all."

"Worrying is the foundational base of helping."

"Perhaps, but as Mr. Peterson suggested, there are better and worse places to focus your efforts on. For example, I'm probably holding you up from doing more important things right now."

"Do you think you know better than me?"

"Not at all. If anyone knew someone else better than they knew themselves, that would be a problem. I'm just making suggestions. ...Would you consider this conversation to be important?"

"I can decide what conversations are important by myself. I'm not a child."

"Yes. I'm asking for your opinion."

"Opinion on what?"

I'm not really learning anything new from this, so this has really run its course. "On whether this conversation is important to you."

"I think this conversation is complete. I just needed to make sure you understood." (edited)

"I agree. And I do understand." More so than before, anyway. It would be more accurate to say that I understand the situation rather than anything about Autumn herself, but I suppose this wasn't completely useless. ...Am I just going to keep doing this? If Autumn is going to seek out Ashley, I should go find Thomas in the meantime, right?

Autumn left.

Sam goes to Thomas' house and knocks on the door.

As Sam moves towards the Nielsen's house, he spots a familiar car down the road. It doesn't notice him, but stops close enough to worry him on the same street. After all, the last person Sam would want to see in this town is here. Naomi Kidink exits the vehicle along with 2 men in suits. ((End session))

((Saturday))

((oh. uh))

((Is this a thing you said you couldn’t do and i forgot))

((no I didn't bring this up before sorry but yeah I am going to be gone basically the entire day past like 1. not completely, but I won't be active enough to RP)) (edited)

((Saturday))

((Friday at 12PM EST))

((Saturday))

((1984 gif I will probably be late. but hopefully not absent))

Naomi Kidink exits the vehicle along with 2 men in suits. None have noticed Sam yet.

...! What?! How- Why is she- Sam has no time to think as he rushes to try and hide somewhere, preferably behind the house. Then he pauses to consider the situation. This doesn't make sense! This place is completely unrelated. She shouldn't be here! Sam recalls Ashley's words from earlier. 'If you keep avoiding things because they think they're 'not your problem', one day you're going to find out that they actually are, and that day won't be a very happy one.' I mean, yes, I was trying to escape, but there's only so much I could've done, and I thought everything was resolved! I did what I needed to! It was supposed to be over! What of it? Even if these people had to show up again, it didn't have to be so soon! How did they find me here? Were they even looking for me? Or is this unrelated? Could it be?" *I've been given no time to think about this, or why, or what is happening. Well, okay, no, I just need to calm down. ...I have to approach this more logically and figure it out. First... Sam checks if he has a tracking device on him again.

((Roll))

((13))

Sam doesn’t find anything.

Maybe that doesn't matter now. I should think about this differently. What could the reason be? Is it just because the Nielsens work in Avengard? That's the best case. Maybe they're just going to pick up the Nielsens or ask about a case or something else. No, that can't be it. That wouldn't make sense. Who could be responsible? Who could've told them? I know nothing about Ehn, so maybe she did something, in which case I might as well roll up and die. I have no idea how Ehn works, and I thought she was just localized to Avengard anyway. She'd have no reason to be here either, much like no one else does. If that were to be the case, is it just revenge? Revenge for doing everything I could to survive and stay out of everything, just because I failed once? I need to make up for it. That's what I said. But she wouldn't understand, would she? If things are going to go this way, I guess I might have nothing better to do, but- ok, no. I told Sophie I'd make it, and I told Thomas I was safe here. I just have to prove that. Who else? In theory, Autumn could've pulled it off after I used her computer. I doubt she could've found that out, but I still have to consider this. Maybe even the Nielsens were paying attention, but why would they care about some guy who showed up once? Plus, I'm supposed to be dead in Avengard! That was the entire point of the situation! The brown suit guy- Gordon- he didn't seem like he was lying at that point. Who could've assumed otherwise? The Sentasaurus? But why him? He was tied to them, but how would he know? No, none of this is useful! I should remember! Last time I tried to solve things in this state with these people involved, it didn't help my situation at all. Right now, I just have to find a way out of this! None of the reasons matter, do they? Is that the point? Someone has to be trying to prove something to me, I just know it! Otherwise they'd never show up! Sam attempts to listen in on what's going on without moving.

Naomi and the guards separate. They’re each holding a picture of you, and going around. "What are you staring at?" Thomas's voice comes from behind Sam.

At least that confirms one thing: through some means, they know either that I'm here or at least that I'm not dead. Or I was never announced as dead in the first place. In any case, perhaps I've failed in that case? Should I stop? ...No, at this point, I have to try. "Ah!" He turns around. "...Uh, well. Hey, Thomas. Well, what do you think?"

"Huh?" Thomas.

Either he knows, or he doesn't know. While I didn't consider it before, I can't actually exclude the possibility he figured something out, but he said 'I was stuck here too', which wouldn't make sense if he knew. It should be safe to discuss part of the situation with him. "There are people out there. Presumably with the police. I heard your parents worked as police, so maybe that's related?"

4:48 PM

"We talked about this yesterday. If they're here, that means something has happened."

"I don’t think anyone's looking for my parents. They’re not even in town right now."

"Where are they, then?"

"Working. They’ll be back tonight."

"I see. Well, as I said earlier, what do you think? Why are they here?"

"How should I know? Why don’t you just ask?"

"I thought you might've had an idea. You're the one who didn't seem the trust the police that much, after all. In this case, there's no reason to involve myself in this."

"If I had to guess, I’d just accuse Ashley. But really, any of the lunatics in this town can be dangerous enough to have the men in black show up. Guessing is just a lost cause. It’ll never go the way I want."

I'd really like to ask about that last part, but I don't have time for that now. Will I remember later, or am I going to forget? ...No, this doesn't matter! I need to focus. "The men in black? Is this some sort of recurring thing?"

"No, I just mean… Like, the government. Police officers don’t really dress like that."

"True. Could it be some other non-government organization? It makes even more sense to stay hidden, then."

Naomi and the guards are showing people on the street the photo of you. "You want to hide? I guess you can come to my house, then. It’s empty right now." Thomas. (edited)

He has to be aware by now, and there's no reason I shouldn't follow along. "Sure, thanks. ...Do you want to know what I think is going on?" He follows Thomas inside.

"Go ahead." Thomas goes into his house and shuts the door.

"First of all, you saw what they were doing, right?"

"Not really."

What's my best option, then? Do I say I don't know, either? No, he's going to find out eventually, anyway. At most, I can say I don't know who they were looking for, but it'll be obvious eventually, right? I guess if I'm going to trust anyone, then I might as well tell someone who I might expect an interesting reaction out of, right? Right... "Let's see. If as you say, some organization is out there searching, then they're looking for someone specific. Probably not the government, I doubt they put in this amount of effort. More like a mafia organization or something. Now, let's say that someone happened to be in the city they were from - probably the city your parents work in, if I had to guess. Let's say that for reasons he couldn't understand, this person got chased by people even though, in theory, he should've never been a target based on who he was connected to. So he runs away and attempts to go missing and be presumed dead. He almost manages to do it, but somehow, for some reason, they managed to figure out where he went anyway, and most likely, they'll catch him eventually and he won't be stuck here. He won't ever be seen in this town again." "Just some hypotheticals, of course." Sam gets that all out in more or less one breath. Then he stares at the floor. "...You know what? Maybe you were right. Perhaps he never should've tried, or things will just be worse now. ...Didn't expect you to be the one to hear this story, anyway. " (edited)

"…Huh." He sits down.

"So, that's where I'm at. You know most of the important details now. None of which ever should've come up, but after considering your parents and everything else here, let's just say he simply walked into a town inextricably connected to that city - Avengard. It's a nice mystery, isn't it? If they're related, I can't figure out why. And I'd rather wish that I'm not that person who was in that city, but some people couldn't let this go, I guess." "...If you tried to run, maybe you'd just be pulled back after all."

"I tried to warn you, didn’t I? But I guess it was too late then." He leans back in his chair. "Who have you spoken to in this town?"

"Indeed. Perhaps it was too late." "...I've talked to your family and the Petersons, including Autumn. Besides that, Ashley. And that priest guy, I guess. Father Morgan, I think. That's about it. Not a lot of people, so if I had to guess, there's a tracker that I couldn't find. I can name many more people from Avengard who could be at fault than here, that's for sure."

"The Petersons and Ashley would be hard to silence, but we can try to convince that priest I guess."

"Convince him of what, exactly?"

"Not to say you’re here?"

"Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense. That I already left, or something along those lines."

"If they think you were here at all, that might complicate things."

Well, it still seems likely that anyone could remember to me, but maybe I overestimate how much people are keeping track of details. Which doesn't make sense to me at all, but I can't say I've done the best job of thinking from other perspectives anyway. "...Probably."

"Just stay here, and don’t cause any problems, okay? I’ll be back quickly."

"Sure. Not like I'm going to be able to do much of anything else, anyway." ...What do I even do now? What can I figure out? Probably nothing else. He waits.

Thomas leaves.

7:56 PM

There’s a knock on the front door.

Is there any way he can check the front door to see who's there without opening it?

There’s a peeping hole.

Do I check the door? I could see who's outside in theory, but I have no idea if they're just one of the people I don't want to see. If it was someone Thomas knew, they'd say something first. I should just wait for that. He's right. I should just stay here. Sam doesn't move and waits to see if something else happens.

After a short while, the person on the other side just leaves.

Are they not coming? Now that they're not at the door, maybe I could check... On second thought, if they didn't stay around, it was probably just one of the black suits. Sam waits some more.

((End session))

((Saturday))

Sam is still alone in the house.

As some more time passes, Sam composes himself a bit and decides to process the situation some more. So, Thomas is probably... somewhere. It's unclear exactly what he would be up to. Of course, if he called his parents then I'm completely done for, but he wouldn't know that. In any case, it's better that I wait. Was the person who knocked on the door just one of the black suits...? Well, I still believe that. Maybe it was Ashley if she showed up to kill Thomas again, but I imagine school is still in session. ...What's she up to? Now what do I do? There wouldn't really do anything to see here, would there? And right now, it's unlikely any of that will help. Then again, last time I said that, it ended up being useful later, but I shouldn't be thinking about that right now. Unless I'm being set up, but I seriously doubt that. I was trying to figure out who else could've been behind all this earlier, but I have no extra information to figure this out. If Bob or someone else knew I was alive somewhere, then anyone here could've simply mentioned seeing me, which would be why the black suits showed up. What else would be a better solution? It would be great if Thomas and I swapped places or something since he wants to get away from here, but maybe that just wouldn't solve any of the underlying issues. Sam glances around to see if there is anything of note anyway.

((Roll))

((6))

Sam doesn't find anything interesting.

Well, it's as clean as I would expect. Considering whatever nonsense Thomas may or may not be putting Aura through, I could investigate into that if I wanted to. I'm sure Ashley would appreciate it. But right now, even if I did find something, it wouldn't solve anything, would it? I need to take the help I can get. ...Speaking of those underlying issues, perhaps I have to speculate on what occurred since I've been gone. It's all quite annoying, but I have no choice. Maybe that could help. At Kerloe Fishery, with the guy who opened the door... what was he looking for? The only one who saw Mr. Kerloe 'eat raw fish' was the Sentasaurus, so they were working together, or are the same person... But what he looking for? Discrediting Mr. Kerloe wouldn't accomplish a thing, would it? Maybe they were looking for me and wanted to close down the location I said was the 'safest'? So what? It's hardly surprising if the Sentasuarus was looking for me. An insane character, seriously. Okay, no, this is a distraction. I claimed I'd help in some way, whoever I'm trying to help - Thomas, Ashley, whoever else... If none of this works out and I end up back in Avengard or actually dead, then this will all have been pointless, but if I don't, then I have to do what I can now. ...Maybe, before I came here, she did have a point after all. Sam walks around a bit to see if anything of note is there, but doesn't touch anything.

((Roll))

((19))

Sam comes across a bag of makeup. He can't really tell what without looking closer, but something about it catches his attention.

This bag... maybe it's Aura's? Perhaps Thomas was hiding the knife he used here, too, or their parents bought it and it went unused. Is it wise to check? Sam checks around the room. Is it possible he's being recorded? He also outside through the peephole to see if anyone is coming, figuring no one is at the door at this point.

No one is coming. Why would anyone record him now?

...You never know. People have had their actions revealed by more surprising methods, and I wouldn't be surprised if I'm being tracked but haven't been able to figure out how. Plus, for example, if the parents were trying to keep track of Aura's actions, then they might consider recording. In any case, it doesn't seem like there are any such risks at this point. And maybe if I keep worrying about this, I'll waste time I could use figuring anything out at all. In any case, Sam decides to investigate the bag.

It's a bag of makeup designed specifically to cover up bruises. There's even specific instructions for how to do it.

...So this probably isn't for Aura? Well, okay, it might be, but not in the sense I was thinking. Were one or both of them injured at some point? By who? Their parents? People at school? Probably their parents. Ashley claimed something had to be going on here. But based on what Thomas said and what I've seen, it's hard to figure out how he would've done anything to necessitate this makeup. I haven't thought to consider Aura's actions as anything but nonsense, but she told Ashley to go away at that point. Perhaps neither she didn't want Ashley to see her in that state? Maybe not Thomas either, but considering his opinion on Ashley, I see why he might've hit Ashley after she tried to figure out. Probably not warranted, but there was definitely something here I'm missing. ...Still, none of the investigations by people here seem to result in anything life-threatening, that's for sure... If I really do manage to stay here, then I guess that's the path to helping out, isn't it? I just set things right between Thomas and Ashley. Even if Thomas says doing anything about Aura's situation is impossible, I could at least try to set that right... if I get the chance to so anything. Maybe that would repay the mistake I made in Avengard, because I know someone has to be watching, whether that's Ehn, the Sentasaurus, or someone else. Or else, I wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. ...The time that Ashley went in with a weapon. Mrs. Nielsen was there at that point, wasn't she? I would believe this. Plus, it makes sense that, unlike yesterday, Thomas probably hasn't dragged Aura back here considering that their parents are only going to be here by tonight- Wait, their parents! Of course! If they were in Avengard, I'm going to be in trouble either way. I should've discussed that with Thomas before he left! Great, now what? What time is it? Sam looks around to see if there's a clock anywhere to figure out the time. (edited)

It's only been a few minutes.

I guess I haven't been here long. Now what? Do I just keep waiting? Something will have to happen sooner or later. I don't know what else I could do here anyway. It's annoying having to just wait, but it's also the only real option I have. I doubt those people have simply left, anyway. ... Sam checks again if there is a tracking device on him again.

((Roll))

((20))

There is definitely not a tracking device on him. He's sure this time.

At this point, I'm fairly sure my hypothesis was wrong. In that case, I wonder what Gordon's silence really was about? Did I overthink it, and perhaps he was just considering what I said? It's not like I can talk to him or anything. ...This opens up another question: if not that, then why is Naomi here? Maybe Gordon was pressed for information and had to leak this location. Or perhaps they were just searching all the nearby towns. Or the Sentasaurus flew over here and thought he saw me. I would believe that one. In any of those cases, sooner or later they'll have to give up, right? In those cases, maybe there really is a chance I can get out of this... But again, I should just wait. I'll stay near the back door, and if his parents show up, that will be my cue to leave. I can still hide outside in case something happens. That was my initial plan, after all. But at this point, I... don't think I can just stop. I can't risk them showing up again regardless. I don't know what they'll do - it makes no sense. I should at least do something to figure out who was really responsible for the black suits showing up here, even if I can't right now. When everything's truly over, maybe I can finally take a step back from everything, go back to just thinking about more interesting things... Sam sits over closer to the back door and waits.

Aura enters the house. Her breathing is shaky, and she seems to be staring at everything with wide eyes.

...This isn't who I was expecting. Where's Thomas? Should I even ask her? Is it okay for me to even be here now if she's back? I mean, at least it's not their parents, I guess. She's worried about something, but what is it? Will I get a good answer or not? Whatever. There isn't anything else I can do. Maybe something happened with Thomas, Ashley, or Autumn like yesterday. Maybe if I say something now, it will be important to at least two of those people. "...Are you looking for someone?"

"Aaaaaaah!" She lets out a sharp cry of fear when she hears Sam, and falls back.

...Maybe not. "Calm down. Is there something you need help with? I'm trying not to cause any problems." (edited)

She suddenly gave a wide smile and happy expression. "Whoops! Sowwy, you just supwised me!"

This again... Am I going to be able to get anywhere like this? I think she was behaving a bit like this at the school. I'd almost prefer if she was in a state of alarm... Well, Ashley was able to talk to her like this, supposedly. Maybe I'll figure something out. "...Er. That's fine. As I said, do you need help with something?"

"Nope! Nothing at all!"

"Are you sure? You seemed to be in a rush when you came in here."

"Dunno what you're talking about, future bestie! Do I know you?"

"Well, the way things are going for me, it's unlikely you'll ever know who I am." ...She should know I was at the school yesterday. I don't understand this at all. Maybe I could at least ask where everyone is...? That could help me. "...Any idea where Thomas is? What about Ashley? Autumn?" (edited)

"The besties were having a silly argument last time I saw them."

The 'besties'... What is this, some sort of riddle? I guess that would be Ashley and Autumn. Anyway, at least I'm getting some information. The Sentasaurus probably would've just told me he changed his name to John Smith or something... So, Ashley and Autumn must've had some sort of argument, whether it was actually silly or not - probably not. That's unsurprising considering what Autumn said. "Thanks. What about Thomas?" (edited)

"Haven't seen him."

Well, who knows what he's up to... At any rate, it's still better to stay here as long as I can. Could be worse. At least that got a direct answer out of her. Probably related to me asking about Thomas, if I had to guess. "I see. ...Isn't school currently in session?"

"Hm? Nope."

"Did you see anyone suspicious on the way here?"

"I don't think so..."

If I ask where her parents are, she might take that as me wanting to talk to them, which is the last thing I want. I should avoid that question, even if I considered it. "So, what are you planning to do now?"

"Am I supposed to be doing something?"

"I don't know. That's why I was asking. Well, thanks anyway."

"No... Problem?" Aura. Thomas enters. "I talked to hi- Oh. Hi, Aurora." His expression dims the second he notices her. (edited)

...This will end well. "Thanks, Thomas. ...She showed up a few minutes ago, in case you were wondering." (edited)

"And our parents, did they…?" Thomas.

"I haven't seen them. Yet. If they showed up, that would probably be bad for me as well."

"…Yeah. I’d help you hide elsewhere, but I can’t leave Aurora alone with them if they show up." Thomas. (edited)

6:23 PM

"You don’t have to worry about me!" Aura's panic is still apparent through the smile.

"I understand that, yes. ...What did the priest end up saying?"

"He agreed." Thomas. (edited)

"That's surprising. I figured he needed to uphold some sort of moral code not to lie or whatever. Well, thanks." "...So, what happens now? I assume we're just going to stay here and hope your parents don't show up."

"Do you have anywhere else to hide?"

"Probably. If you didn't show up, I had my own plans to hide anyway. It's not much different for me to go somewhere else."

"Alright, then go there. Good luck."

"Thanks. ...Good luck with whatever happens when you parents show up, I suppose."

"…" Thomas.

"...If there's something you need to know in the future, then maybe I'll help. Assuming I'm still around for that, anyway." If nothing else happens, he exits through the back door and goes back to hiding wherever he was before he went inside to figure out what to do next.

"Bye bye!" Aura. Sam arrives there.

What now? It's probably unsafe to go back to the Petersons at this point, though many unknown factors are at play that make it difficult for me to know for sure. In theory, staying here is the safest thing I could do. Otherwise, my plan was to, as I thought before, go to the forest. There's no shortage of places to hide there, that's for sure. Thomas' argument was to pretend I never showed up here at all. However, I've seen more than enough people by now, and I have difficulty believing that convincing just the priest - Father Morgan - will actually accomplish anything. If anyone else - say, Ashley, Autumn, even one of the random people I asked a question - was interrogated by the black suits, they'd surely have figured out by now. Perhaps I could've been more careful back then, but I'd be better off dead at that point. But what happens now?! Do I just have to avoid them from now on? I said I'd find a way to stay here. If I could at least wear a mask, that might be useful... I should just stay here for now. I can't go anywhere if Naomi is still around, that's for sure. Sam decides to wait for a bit. How far does he think it is from the forest?

((I don’t understand the question))

((basically, can he make it without being spotted))

((He can make it))

...Considering how easily Thomas found me here, maybe I should just go. Sam goes over to the forest and hides somewhere to plan his next move. He also looks around there briefly to see if anyone is there for some reason.

The forest seems empty.

((am I holding anyone up story-wise? I may want to stop here otherwise. real life might be getting a little in the way))

((You’re being held up if anything. Enjoy your real life thing))

((Saturday))

Sam is in the forest.

((I'm sort of not feeling like doing this rn. but last time you said I could wait until it was close to when I needed to show up so ig ping me when that happens. unless I need to exist right now))

((Alright))

((Saturday))

Sam is in the forest.

Sam walks around a bit. Then he sits down. ...Then he starts walking around again. I'm considering continuing to wait here. Is this really the best course of action? I've really been prioritizing my safety very heavily, yet I keep claiming to want to do something on my own. But what do I do now?! I've genuinely trapped myself this time. Even if I wanted to go somewhere else - which I told myself I'd never do - it's not like I can. Apparently I'm not being allowed that, whoever's behind it all. What I really have left is attempting to figure out how this happened, if I have anything. ...I came up with some line of reasoning when all of this started today. A very spur-of-the-moment series of conclusions, so perhaps a bit off in that sense, but the people I do know who could've said anything are Sentasaurus, Autumn, Ehn... and I guess maybe she figured out herself, Naomi.

Probably not Autumn, actually... As funny as that might be, it's a bit much to expect a teenager to be tracking literally everything. ...I could also take the simple route out. I've been trying to find an interesting solution, admittedly, but actually having a moment to think now, putting everything on Gordon to arrange this may have been a difficult task for him, whether he cared or not. In practice, if I disappeared, it would take a while before I would be presumed dead. But it doesn't make sense to just lay low, not here at least. ...I totally should've just put on a mask or something. And changed my clothes entirely. I'm sure that would be useful. Too late for that now, but... Actually, is it the same for those who pretend otherwise? The Sentasaurus, and almost certainly Ehn, they have reasons to not show themselves, I'm sure. Even if they don't make sense. And if one of them is around, then I don't lose anything by trying. Maybe I could even get some actual information this way. Not like I have better options, even if this did nothing last time I tried something similar. "Bob Smith? Ehn? If you're there, I have a question. About your actions. Entirely unrelated to the mystery, just a superficial question." He says this in some random direction to no one in particular. (edited)

3:25 PM

Both of them have the means to essentially go seemingly wherever they want. If they're here, they might show up.

"Who’s Bob Smith?" Autumn Peterson finds him.

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

"Who’s Bob Smith?" Autumn Peterson finds him.

I suppose that was too absurd to work. And I shouldn't be surprised someone came, perhaps. Though, generally speaking, this could be worse. ...Surely she's aware of what's happening already? He sighs when Autumn shows up. This might be fun. More than some of the other things happening, and I still have very little to lose. "Some guy I knew in the past. He was quite annoying. I'm sure you'd expect me to have known some strange people like that. So, I'm sure you have your reasons for being here in the middle of nowhere. ...Go on."

"I was looking for you." She smiled.

"I know that. The real question is, what do you want? Not a very in-depth motive if you just decided to find me for no reason."

"Your mother was looking for you, Sam."

Well, at least she's paying attention. I'm sure Naomi asked her at some point. "...I know that too. Did you expect to surprise me there? I'm more surprised you didn't bring her here, actually. You wanted me gone, right? Well, there's your chance. Not like I'll get much else done anymore, considering how many others in the town have already seen me around. I think I'll just stay here. Your decision now."

"She’s gone. I made sure she thought you weren’t in town."

"...What? That doesn't-" He's genuinely a bit taken aback, but cuts himself off. Oh, was she trying to do something she saw as good? I guess I'm fine with that. Though I'm sure there's more to it that I don't know. I wonder what other reasons she might have. "Guess you helped me in the end, then. But it's as I said. Isn't me being here just a problem for you?"

"Not if you actually listen to me. And I’ve done you quite a favour, so I’d hope you don’t rudely go and not repay it."

"I knew this part was coming, so yes. Despite everything I do, I'm usually not in the business of running off on my own, and I've already made at least one deal with someone. Unless you want me to run back to where I came from, which would defeat the entire point of you showing up here at all."

"I don’t want you to leave, but I wouldn’t waste a favour on that anyway. I just want you to try to be a good person. You can do that, can’t you?"

...There has to be some catch to this, I'm sure. I wonder how she would react if she found out the bad thing I did do... Well, as I said, I'd rather avoid that happening again. "Hm. We might have different perspectives on what helping someone is about..." Considering I've been trying from the start. "Is that fine with you? Well, sure. I can."

"You just have to listen to me if I correct you, then."

Hm. I'm sure this could get bad in a lot of cases. However... "And if you know me, I'm very good at listening to people. But you know so far that there's not a lot I've directly opposed. Of course, regardless of whatever you're up to, I'm open to helping out unless you ask for something absurd." "But I'm sure you'd prefer a simple answer. Probably."

"That’s great. I just want to ask for something simple, then. Ashley’s also looking for you. When she finds you, act like she did it first. And then, you can play all nice and become her friend like her poor lonely soul so clearly wants. I just want you to make sure that if she ever confides in you about any kind of choice, you tell her to side with me. No matter what. People like her may not always realize, but I simply have everyone’s best interests at heart."

I see. This is what she was really going for. Actually, if Ashley shows up, that's good for me as well. If I were to explain everything going on to someone, it would be her, and I'm sure she could help work out something. Or Thomas, but he's currently busy handling... Well, whatever it is he needs to do. But I'm sure she knows something by now, and I'm equally curious about that. At this point I'm aware there are greater issues at play than just the matter of whether Autumn wants to be friends with Ashley or not, but it's still fun to consider. Maybe she just doesn't know how to care better. Not that I do, of course. "Don't you want to be her friend? And if she cares about you, wouldn't she just be listening to you to begin with? I figured she was already past that point." "Well, that's easy enough, so sure. You seemed to have my interests in mind, after all."

"Ashley is just a little… Confused, sometimes. Girls her age have a tendency to rebel so easily. They just can’t see the big picture." They’re the same age. "I’m glad you can understand this well, at least."

Maybe so. But I respect that tendency if things do get annoying. Still, it doesn't seem like anything particularly bad has happened so far. "That makes sense. ...What do you think that big picture is?" (edited)

"The happiness of every good person in the world, of course."

...I'm sure she got that idea from one or both of her parents. She didn't seem to criticize it while I was there. Well, isn't that nice. It's interesting that there are people like that, but I don't think I could care once about any sort of big picture. It's not as if I'd likely be around to see such a thing. Or that it would matter to me. I suppose some people her age have their aspirations, no matter where they got those from. "Well, fair enough."

She starts to leave. "Remember, I was never here."

"Of course." I suppose she thinks that's better because Ashley would immediately ask what we talked about. I have no reason to bring it up anyway. ...Maybe this upcoming conversation will be more thoughtful.

She leaves.

Well, I suppose it's better for me to stay in one place so Ashley actually finds me eventually. I wonder what's she's found out? It's easy to assume Autumn knew what was going on, and that much I'm sure Ashley is on the same page for. But I'm sure she'll have better questions than 'Can you do me a favor?' Maybe she'll ask why I did any of this, why I came here in the first place, and so on. And I suppose I wouldn't mind explaining this time. What else am I going to do, anyway? Technically speaking, it may be at least a little easier to re-enter the town now and wait for something to happen there, but I think I'd rather wait for the time being. Sam sits down, not having much more to consider at the moment.

((Sorry cicada is being slow with responses. Not sure how they might affect things so I’m just gluing to wait on that. I’ll let you know as soon as you can move forward))

((works for me))

((Can you do a makeup session at some point))

((what time))

((idk))

((depends on the day. maybe this could be arranged in a thread or #ooc-threads because I presume this depends on at least one other person))

((Cicada’s going on Friday, I’ll let you know when they catch up))

((Saturday(hopefully)))

((I will be alive on saturday (and sunday for the other campaign))) (edited)

6:48 PM

((just a matter of when. I should probably prepare so I don't spend 45 minutes to respond if something happens))

((I think I will be available on friday in the event of cicada showing up at some point before or during))

((When can you do a session))

((friday? also tomorrow at like 3 which I guess is oddly specific but workable)) (edited)

((I can do both.))

((then whichever one cicada prefers))

((We don’t need cicada))

((what. okay then whichever works better for you))

((Cicada has done his part already. I’d prefer tomorrow because it means I can make sure you finish faster))

((then we'll do that))

Sam is still sitting down. It's been a bit. I wonder where Ashley is. Is it safe to go somewhere else? Who knows what I could be missing out on, but this is for the best. Naturally, I doubt anyone else is coming here, barring another surprise appearance by Ehn. Not that I've seen one of those since coming here despite my speculation.

Thomas stumbles into the woods, looking emotionally drained.

...Huh? What's he doing here? "...Thomas? Are you... Did something happen? I wasn't expecting you to show up here." I guess I really am a bit too tired for sharp responses.

3:06 PM

Sam stands up.

"She’s gone." He slumps down next to a tree.

"...Thanks. Anything else happen? With your situation, I mean. Not mine."

"…" He stares at the ground.

What did his parents do this time? "Who else showed up?"

"Ashley's family came over for dinner."

"Oh." Wait, people actually come over for dinners still? And I haven't even seen her parents ever. But, well, I should ask after all, if I'm going to help out, right? "...How bad are they? Her parents, I mean."

"…" He doesn’t answer.

Wait. If only he's here, then... I should ask that too. "Where's Ashley? ...Where's Aura?"

He doesn’t answer. "Have you ever… Thought about it?"

He sighs. "Well, I do a lot of thinking, but I don't always have all the answers. Rarely, in fact. I can guess and come up with a few ideas..." He trails off. Well, okay. Ashley's parents might be police officers as well. That could be a reason for them meeting, or they were just past friends. As for her actions, wasn't she trying to kill Thomas at one point? Was that the reason he's here, or did his parents chase him away instead? Perhaps Aura is still stuck there. Or I'm missing the entire problem. "Did Ashley try something?"

"No, I mean…" He looked at Sam. "Why do you choose to… be alive?"

I... uh... what? Well... He sits back down. "...I don't know. I'd been holding out hope for a while that I'd work things out, then I could let things go back to normal, watch things play out and enjoy the day-to-day routine, because not so long ago, that's how things were, and it was enjoyable. Well, it's safe to say all of that's long gone now, and my attempt here clearly didn't amount to much. So, I guess I'm just waiting for something to happen now." Because I can't be bothered to take action myself unless it's about someone else, I guess. "Going by momentum, wishing for anything besides the worst. ...If you're looking for someone to explain that living is important, I guess I'm not the right person." "Well... What do you think?"

"I don’t really… Have anyone else to ask…"

"Well, I figured, but..." Surely you have a reason, right? Aura? Even if something bad just happened, not much could've changed, right?

"I’m not… I haven’t ever wanted to hurt Aurora. But… I’ve never really helped her. I just keep leading her right back to what tortures her and making it worse. It’s not like… Ashley was wrong about that." (edited)

"Well, you said it yourself, right? You still tried to do what you could. It's hard to escape your home - I guess I learned that much. If the situation is worse, I can't imagine that being your fault. ...I'm sure my idea of helping differs a bit from yours, but it's not easy either way, even if some people might claim otherwise." "...If you say that, has Ashley still not realized? Realized that you weren't the problem?"

"She knows. That’s why… The only person who can blame me now is me."

At least there's that... Hopefully that makes a conversation with her easier. If she ever actually shows up. "Well, you can blame yourself, but you don't have to. ...I guess things just happen sometimes, after all. Even if they aren't in- don't make sense. It's not like I can blame you instead. I can't think of better ideas, and maybe that's it. Or I'm just demotivated as always."

"But if I just hurt her… What’s the point of staying?"

"Well, would you be happier if you left? Could you manage to stay away from everything? I'm not discouraging you, but I guess... Well, I guess I left people behind, and I still wonder if I could've done better sometimes, my personal enjoyment aside. I'm here because I gave up at least once. ...Your result is up to you."

"I don’t mean running away like you. There’s… Nothing for me anywhere. I don’t have any kind of normal to wait for."

"Well... Unless you want to switch places, I don't have any good answers. If I was in a situation where there was nothing anywhere, then I really would give up after all." I'm trying to come up with something, I owe it to him, but... This isn't something I'm good at helping with. It's not solvable.

"That’s… What I thought."

"...Sorry I can't solve this. ...Still, what then? In the short term, I mean. What about right now? I've never been the best planner anyway."

He sighed.

I want to know what's going on, if nothing else! But if I leave here, Ashley might show up here, and... Well, maybe that would be fine. But it's possible whatever happened here has long past. He gets up. "Is it reasonable for me to go check? I was thinking of looking for Ashley or something. If she's understood, maybe she has ideas or something. You can stay here if you want."

"Ashley already left."

"What? So she went back home?"

"…Yeah. She’s probably asleep at this point." It is indeed fairly late.

"Well, great." I even prepared for her to show up! Then, what was Autumn even expecting?! It didn't seem like she was planning for Ashley not to show up. Was it the dinner that caused everything to be derailed? Family gatherings and all that. Dumb nonsense. "I guess I'll stay here, then." (edited)

"You’re going to sleep outside?"

"I don't know about you, but I've slept outside more than once. Sometimes it helps me think about things."

"Have you been sleeping out here?"

"Only once. I've been at Autumn's house the past few days, mostly."

"How bad was it there?"

"Well, I'm sure they were deliberately nicer to a visitor. But, if you want to hear the full story..." "The first night or so was normal. The second day, Ashley showed up, and eventually Autumn started arguing with her parents about what it means to be doing good, and they kept saying how Autumn wasn't doing enough or whatever. Afterwards, I talked to Autumn and she more or less tried to pretend everything was completely fine. Then, the next morning, that same discussion more or less happened again, and I had to sit through them talking about how much good they were doing, and how Autumn needs to try harder..." He laughs a little. "I'm sure you get the point. Imagine that. I'm starting to think all the parents here are as bad as mine. Naomi really would fit right at home here."

"No one here ever knows how to be satisfied. I'd pity you 2, but… I think parents can do a lot worse than to make you feel insecure."

"...Well, I'm not surprised there's worse."

"Why don’t you go back there tonight?"

"And what? Leave you here? It wouldn't help me to go back anyway, considering I don't know what her parents think of this whole situation."

"I’ll go back home too. Sleeping outside is just a bad idea."

"Well, are you okay with things as they are, then?"

He doesn’t answer.

Though, that reminds me. There's some useless things I have, and it's not like I was going to do much anyway... "By the way, what did you have for dinner?"

"What?"

"Just curious. ...Actually, forget that. Approaching things indirectly really isn't my style, I guess. Can't say I was ever good at casual conversation." He unzips his backpack and throws Thomas both halves of the fish that was cut up earlier, then closes his backpack again. "Take these." "This has a very weird backstory. Back where I came from - Avengard - there was this... Talking animal. Called herself 'Ehn'. Probably a hologram posing as an animal, if I had to guess. Anyway, she went around to some people I knew and threw them objects with seemingly no correlation. That was just one of many things I couldn't understand at all in the past week or two, and it was quite annoying. One of the reasons I left, actually. She kept telling me to go help some random guy who made even less sense than talking animals, and I didn't like that all." "I don't know how such a character came to exist. But apparently, like with the other objects she was tossing around, there's some special ability to this... fish. And those abilities are very real - I saw for myself in that city." "But when I came here, I cut the entire fish in half, hoping to break it and forget about it for good. I was hoping to, actually. But who knows? I have no clue, but maybe you can come up with some use for it still. It's better suited to you, I think. Anyway, that's all. See you tomorrow." He rushes the last half, gets up, and begins to leave, but doesn't actually go yet. (edited)

"Are you... high?"

"I wish I was. I told you, none of this made any sense to me when I first learned of this. It still doesn't. That's part of why I left in the first place."

"I'm not taking your weird drug fish."

"Reasonable. I'm leaving it here anyway, I have no use for it. I've decided that much."

"...Goodnight." He pats Sam on the shoulder awkwardly.

"...Night, then. ...Hopefully, none of this matters." He leaves towards Autumn's house.

Autumn is waiting at the door. "You're back!" She look around.

"I guess so. There wasn't anything else better for me to do." Her being here is actually quite welcome this time around as he snaps back to words which make sense. Did I really look insane back there? Maybe, I guess? I was right. That really is all incomprehensible, and explaining it impossible. What was I even expecting him to react with? I left the fish behind, at least. I'm done with that, as I said. "...By the way, Ashley never came, if you didn't know. I figured you might be wondering about that."

She sighed in disappointment. "She did tell me that, but I'd hoped it changed."

"Me as well, then."

"Really, is there anything she can do right?" She facepalmed, before suddenly smiling. "At least that's a big distinction between us."

Sam elects to ignore this reaction. Sure, whatever helps you work through things, I guess. At this point, I don't really feel like opposing much of anything. It's an interesting reaction, I guess. Yeah. "...It would seem so."

"I doubt your mother will be returning, so enjoy your comfort again, Sam Kidink."

I don't trust her not to show up again. Definitely the type of person to do that. Well, anyway... "We'll see about that. It's very possible there's more to all this. Think about the big picture, I guess. That's all. ...In any case, thanks for now."

"It's no problem. I love helping others. Goodnight."

"...Night." Should I ask her if she knows anything about what happened since? Well, okay. I'm sure she does, but anything I can ask her would probably be much easier to ask Ashley about. Whenever I can do that, anyway. Sam drops that thought and goes to the guest room once Autumn leaves. I should check if I- oh, never mind. Actually, I remember the other reason I was hesitant to come back here: maybe Autumn's parents were up to something. They're officers too. What now? I think I should leave earlier tomorrow, then. Not that I have a meaningful alarm anymore, but that still may serve me better, depending on circumstances, if I can. Though, it's equally possible I'll be completely fine at that point. (edited)

The guest room looks normal. (edited)

Sam walks around the room a little, then sits down on the bed, in contrast to his usual thought process as things have changed. Tomorrow, I have to ask Ashley what happened. If even Autumn has no idea what happened to her, then presumably she tried to do something at the Nielsen's. She learned the truth, right? Did she try to kill his parents, then? It's not out of the question considering last time, but it's also ridiculous because they're law enforcement. Thomas was right about that much. ...And he seemed to be doing worse than me. So, what then? ...I guess I have to hang around the school at some point. I'd make the slightest attempt at a long-term plan, but I'm convinced that's not going to be useful any time soon. 'It's very possible there's more to all this'... Admittedly, I was just making a vague statement, but it's not impossible. Still, I hope not. In any case, I have to try to be prepared. And maybe that will help me do something about all of this. I probably should, right? At least for Thomas or Ashley, if no one else. I should try to make up for that. It's unfortunately not the most interesting thought, but I'll see how that goes. Can I do anything after all? I've tried a few times, but to no progress. ...In the end, what do I have? Nothing good, that's for sure... I tried to help Thomas with that, but... I guess I have a few options left still. Even Gordon if he shows up again. Do I have too much faith in myself still? Will this change anything, even if it's all I have? ...Probably not. I put too much faith in myself. Like always. Or I'm just desperate. He sighs, and quietly leaves the house, and goes back to pick up everything he left behind after all, then comes back. Some day, I'm sure I'll decide I'm done for good. ...Definitely. He finally lies down on the bed and tries to sleep somewhat. (edited)

((The chapter ends.))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

5: Auspicious Guardian

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam Kidink wakes up in the guest bed the next morning.

Sam gets up and starts to walk around the room a little. Well, I know what I need to do now. This is quite strange, actually. Things... aren't fine, are they? I have to resolve something, whatever it is. Me approaching things from the perspective of doing anything instead of just having fun is unfortunate, and maybe doesn't make so much sense either. Things probably could've been different, but it's not like yesterday at least wasn't an inevitable result. Despite with Autumn says, it's not easy to enjoy all of this anymore after all. I guess there's one thing I'm good at trying... Anyway, I should just go. I said I'd leave early, so that's what will happen. Sam goes to the kitchen.

The Petersons are eating breakfast.

Is the front door closed?

Yes.

Technically speaking, the correct move would be to try and run out of here, as that was my intention. I somehow doubt I could do that without being noticed though, considering the door is closed. You know what? Sure, I want to hear what the Petersons have to say, and it's not like this is a less interesting result. Surely they had to have talked to Naomi at some point? Let's see how much things really are 'fine'. "Hey." He just says this, but not directed at anyone in particular in the room.

"Good morning, S-" Autumn cuts herself off. No one else notices.

Well, she only has herself to blame if she messes up. It's not like there's a huge problem if I get called that. There are a billion people named Sam in the world. Maybe it was a nickname I used among my friends in the past? Me, Alex, of course? Or perhaps it's my middle name? Even if people knew my last name, it's not like it isn't already pointlessly contrived. In the end, I can think of a few possibilities. In theory, if I didn't already know the answer, those would be some options available to me. "Good morning."

"Did you sleep well?" Autumn.

I briefly thought I might not have said my name to her before, which could've been true and would've made this whole deal understandable. However, that's impossible - she should know. Ashley has to have mentioned me to her at least once. Well, anyway, I'll see how 'perfect' she does going forward, as I thought earlier. "I'd say I'm doing okay. Better than before. How about you?"

"I slept perfectly well. Thank you." She smiled politely as usual.

"Glad to hear that." Today's Friday, isn't it? There's likely still school today, but maybe I could ask some questions anyway. ...In a way, didn't I end up here today? Well, this isn't worth thinking about.

"Could I speak to you in private?"

"Of course." I was going to ask anyway, because there's at least one thing I should figure out...

She walks into her room.

Sam follows. "So, what is it?" Probably not a question, that's for sure.

"So, I understand you're probably worried about your mother coming back. But don't worry, I've figured out how to make sure you're out of her sight even when I'm busy."

"...To an extent, though I've been doing planning of my own around that." Whether she cares or not to come back, at least. It's much less risky for me to do what I can on my end. "Still, I'm sure you're looking for a chance to help. Go on."

"You should come to school with us, today. You look young enough to fit in with us."

I can think of a few problems with this, but I certainly don't mind playing along. Ashley will likely be there. It's also possible Thomas will stop by at some point. "An interesting idea for sure. I guess I've been there before. ...But what do you suppose I should do while I'm there?"

"Just sit in class with us and don't draw attention to yourself."

"Wouldn't there be questions if a new student no one's seen before just walks in?"

"No one doubts anything I do. That's the appeal of popularity."

"Fascinating." He makes a vague expression between thinking and fake surprise. Is that so? I never really paid attention to that in class. It's the sort of nonsense school dynamic I imagine would be the case, with all the things students tended to do back at Belto Shelk Memorial High School, but I imagine it's worse in this town where a lot of people probably know each other. That could be something to watch... Well, no, I have to prioritize my safety. He resumes his neutral expression and neutral questions. "What about the opposite? Don't you think at least one random student there has seen the picture of me before? ...Actually, I imagine your answer to that is the same." "...Anyway, tomorrow's a Saturday. What do you suppose happens then?"

"Then I'll have all of my time free to help you stay safe."

"And you really want to go through all of that effort? Don't you have better things to do? I'm the one with time on my hands." You should hang out with Ashley, that seems reasonable to me. Or, I don't know, other 'good' things or whatever. "...Don't get the wrong idea. I'll go today, sure. I'm just saying, you should enjoy your free time sometimes. Do something in the greater scope of things, if you will."

"What are you talking about? This is the greater scope of things. There's nothing greater than helping people."

"I'm saying that putting all your effort into helping one person may amount to less than helping different people. Or changes on a different scale than a single person."

"Who do you think you are? A philosopher?"

"Not at all. I guess you could consider this one way I tend to try and help. Not that you would need it, but I was told to make an effort."

"Well, it's a bad effort."

"..." "...We'll see about that. Or I was looking for an interesting response. Anyway, I imagine classes are starting soon."

"Indeed they are." She leaves the room.

Sam pauses for a little bit. Okay, I don't expect I'd be able to get through to her on anything, considering she's not trying to be helped by anyone. But I did want to hear the answer nonetheless. Guess I can't expect too many interesting responses in the future, though I guess I didn't expect much in the first place. He catches up to Autumn. "By the way, where's Ashley's house? I never actually figured that out."

She gives the address.

"Okay." It's more interesting for me to go than not. It's not like I'm going to be stuck there for more than a day for the time being, anyway. I'm perfectly willing to blend in as always. However, if I end up being a target, one of two things could happen. Either I get put under pressure. That's fine, I don't have to keep coming back. Otherwise, in the worse case, I could be identified fairly quickly. In that case, I'll just leave and find my way back to the forest eventually, it's not like anyone had a particular need to know me anyway. What will happen next? Will it be some nonsense school drama, or something more? Maybe another incident like what happened with Thomas showed up last time? ...After all this, I'm not sure if I'm hoping for that or not. Which is annoying, so maybe I should just ignore that. Time will tell, maybe. Sam has nothing else to say or think about as they go to the school which he doesn't know the name of.

They arrived at school. ((End session))

((Saturday))

They arrived at school.

((Saturday))

They arrived at school.

((Saturday))

They arrived at school.

((I can be active for like 30 MINUTES which probably enough time for like one message. riveting)) Sam looks around at the various people walking around. Maybe it's similar to back at his "actual" school, maybe there are less people, who knows. Maybe it's different after all. Should I perhaps pay attention to what's going on? Try to figure out how different things are here, if they are. That's what I said I'd do. He vaguely tries to listen in on some conversation while they're walking, but doesn't actually approach anyone.

People are staring at Sam suspiciously. Autumn doesn’t seem to notice.

From what I can tell, this supports the idea that people could probably identify me fairly quickly. I mean, it wasn't unexpected. Or I'm just paranoid? Probably not. The whole idea of a tracking device was one thing, but social situations like this... any number of possibilities could lead to me getting caught. Especially if the teacher recognizes me. Or if word spread faster than I knew, or Autumn just decided to tell people about all of this yesterday - cases like that would easily get me caught... ...It's difficult to believe Autumn is just going along with this. Does she have some other plan in mind, or is it really for Ashley or something? Maybe I'm just not willing to change my earlier impressions enough... Speaking of which, Ashley and Aura are bound to show up, right? I should figure out what I should do then, even if Ashley at least probably won't say anything considering what I know. He decides to stop trying to pay attention and just vaguely stares at the floor while they're walking.

"What’s wrong?" Autumn.

"Huh? I'm just thinking to myself. I tend to get a lot of my thoughts together while walking."

"You should probably look where you walk instead."

"Fair enough." He decides to, in fact, look where he is walking. Seriously, that's really not a big deal, is it? I'm not trying to maintain some ideal order to everything. I've had more than my fair share of school days where I just tune out everything else. I guess I'm just hoping to see if anything different will happen here, whether because of my circumstances here or something else. Unfortunately, figuring that out is hard to prioritize over making sure I don't cause problems, if only because that's the situation I've been forced into.

People continue to stare at Sam as she leads him into class.

The idea of me getting my cover blown within my first hour here aside, the other main possible explanations are that people just know that I don't go to this school or don't get why I've been talking to Autumn. In either case, I'll have to introduce myself. None of those are particularly interesting, but school rules are school rules, I suppose. As it comes to myself, I just have to get through things... "...Should I just stand here and wait for the teacher to come? I figure there's no point in me taking someone's seat." He asks Autumn after they enter. (edited)

"No, you sit next to me. I have to keep my eye on you."

"What about the person who's supposed to be there? I doubt it will be much of an issue for me to wait until something happens."

"It’ll be fine! We don’t have arranged seats anyway."

((Saturday))

"It’ll be fine! We don’t have arranged seats anyway."

"Really? How do the teachers here keep track of anything?" I had classes like that, but everyone just tended to sit in their own little groups as usual. In that sense, arranged seats are better if you happen to just want to get through school. "Well, fine. Not the most important question ever." He takes a seat.

She sits down next to him. "Don’t underestimate the hard work of teachers."

"...Well, how do I put it? Some teachers clearly do more than others, and all the same, I respect some teachers more than others. I suppose we'll see what happens."

"My parents care for this town carefully, so the town cares for us back. Everyone here is perfect like that." (edited)

"That's nice, I figure they're able to do a lot in their position. Do they have any involvement in benefitting this school?"

"…No."

Huh. Part of me was actually expecting a connection. "Well, I'm sure it's not an issue." "...How do classes usually go here?"

"We sit and we listen."

"Works for me. Can't say I'm a fan of people doing otherwise. Ever had to deal with people like that?"

"Yes, of course I have. In fact, she’s right there." Autumn turned to Aura, who was entering the classroom.

"I see." ...Okay, as much as I understand more about the situation now, she might have a point there. "..." He waits to see if Aura or Autumn will say anything to each other or to him.

Aura sits down without saying anything.

...Maybe it's better to leave her be. I would ask, but... That hasn't always led to anything useful on my end, has it? "So, I take it you know most of the people in this class?" Addressed to Autumn.

"Oh, all of them. They're all fans of mine, in a sense."

"...Everyone?"

"Of course. I'm a very popular person. Would you like to be one of my fans?"

"Oh, I was wondering about Aura, actually." He does not directly answer her question.

Her smile falters. "...No. Aura isn't one of my fans. But who wants her, anyway?"

"...Ashley? She is in this class, right?" "Though, to answer your earlier question, sure, otherwise I wouldn't be asking any of this in the first place. I'm interested in hearing what you have to say."

She smiles brightly. "I'm glad to hear it! It's always nice to have my efforts appreciated."

This was probably the right choice. The answer to my actual question likely wouldn't have been useful considering what's happened in the past. I'm sure I know it anyway. "Is there anyone else I should know in this class?"

"Well, me and Ashley are the only ones that should matter to you in the first place."

"What, in this class? I guess you could say that."

"You don’t have to guess, because I did say that."

"Oh, I was implying this was the case beforehand."

“Well, we’re not beforehand, are we?"

"Depends on the timeframe."

"Are you just trying to be difficult?"

"No?"

"Then listen to what I’m saying instead of arguing about nothing."

"I don't think this was an argument, but sure."

"Do you have to argue every time you agree to end a conversation?"

"No." This is starting to become a waste of time, as drawn out discussions tend to be. Of course, by saying this, I am technically disagreeing. Anyway...

The teacher enters.

Sam figures that it is the right call to stay silent at least until something happens.

The teacher begins the lesson. "Where is Ashley?" Autumn. (edited)

That's a good question. I figured she might be just a little late or something, but this is starting to not make sense. Has she just not been around for more than a day? On the other hand, I'm very surprised I haven't been called out. Could be a better lesson, but better than the last class I paid attention to. He's not sure if Autumn was addressing him or the teacher, but if not, he stays silent.

((End session))

((Saturday))

"Devtamura (or Debtamura) is a hill range in South Tripura district of Tripura, India. It is known for an archaeological site of rock sculptures, a panel of carved images of Hindu deities of Durga, Ganesha and Kartikeya on the bank of Gomati River.[1] The stone images are estimated to have curved during the 15/16th century.[2] Geography Devtamura is 85 kilometres (53 mi) in length and is situated at an altitude of 229 metres (751 ft) above sea level.[3] It is situated in between Udaipur and Amarpur.[4] Damburu Falls commences at the top of Devtamura, continuing through a series of terraces.[3] The approach to the site is only by boat a three-hour journey from Amarpur to Udaipur to the forest area of the site; the total distance of travel from Agartala is 75 km[5] Archaeological site A carving at Chabimura Chabimura, the archaeological site at Devtamura, dates to the fifteenth or sixteenth centuries.[3] The site includes colossal carvings of the image of Devi Chakrakma.[6] The purpose of the carvings, and the artists who carved them are unknown.[7] The statues are carved on the steep sloping rock exposures of the Kalajhari Hills which drains into the Gomti River. There are in all 37 rock cut images which also include images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Mahishasuramardini, Durga and many others.[5] Each year in mid-January, a fair occurs at the third terrace from the top of the falls, at a time when local tribal members take a holy bath in Gomati River.[3]"

(( @Sam Kidink/span> are you here?))

((sorry some dumb nonsense happened irl. when do you need me to show up I can be here in anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour @Ehn/PC)) (edited)

((As soon as possible))

From just paying attention a little bit... oh no. It's the same as it was back there. Almost. Is every class like this? At some point, I'm just going to get bored. Wait, I just remembered that I asked for this. I wanted to figure out what was going on here. So actually, it is very interesting that this is similar to my previous class because it is an entirely unrelated class. I wonder what underlying factors are behind this? Anyway, I'm not going to bother taking notes this time. Not that they served me particularly well in the first place. Who knows how long I'll even be here. The only thing I remember out of Indian history was that cycle of life and death thing. That was a little interesting as a concept... Okay, seriously, how has no one asked who I am yet? Or to introduce me? Or anything else like that? Do they just not do that here? More importantly, where's Ashley? It's definitely been a bit by now. I said I was waiting for her to show up, but it'd be hard to talk in this setting. I may have to go out into the schoolyard or something. Probably not immediately, just because of how bad people tend to take that; I'm not here to cause problems. But maybe at lunch or something. Sam does practically nothing. (edited)

Ashley walks into the class.

4:26 PM

(( #ashley-and-sam ))

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / ashley-and-sam

He shows the slightest amount of surprise before reverting to usual, but he's mostly just tired. He waits for a little bit before addressing her, but attempting to be quiet in doing so. "Hi. ...Glad to see you're here." He gestures for her to come closer to where he is sitting, and takes out his notebook from his backpack, one of the few usable items he still has on him, to try and write something.

So he does go to our school after all. Well, I don't know what I expected, but thank goodness I don't have to search around any longer. I'll tell him, and then I'll settle back into class without causing any trouble. Without missing a beat, Ashley nods and walks up to Sam. "I have to tell you something," she mumbles.

"Hi, Ashley. You’re late." Autumn.

Sam tries to write a note and passes it to her: I can explain what I'm doing here at some point. I'm sure you have some questions for me. Meet in the schoolyard when possible. If you want to tell Autumn, that's fine, but that's up to you. He waits for what she has to say afterwards.

She gives a silent thumbs up and then leans over to whisper in his ear. "Your mother's come back, and she's convinced you're somewhere in town this time. I saw her guys around today, and they're almost certainly going to find you if you don't pick a really good hiding place, fast."

"Are you ignoring me?" Autumn.

"You should address Autumn." He looks at Ashley, nods, and provides completely unrelated input. (edited)

She perks up at this. "N-No, sorry! Hi, I'm sorry I'm late… I was just, um, a little surprised to see him here…"

"I told him to come." Autumn. Aura waves to Ashley.

"...It's fine. Thanks, Autumn." Sam elects not to say much this time around.

"Should I just, uh…" She makes an awkward vague gesture attempting to express uncertainty over where to sit while not responding to Aura's waving.

"You could ask Aura to give you her seat." Autumn.

"You can sit down wherever. Up to you. Or that, I suppose."

"Well, I was the one who came late, so it'd be unfair to make someone else give up their seat when they were on time, right? Maybe I could…" She trails off, looking towards the teacher to see if they've noticed her arrival yet.

They have but they don't seem to care. They're talking about a hill range in India for some reason.

"You could ask the teacher if you wanted, I suppose, but I don't know if the teacher is paying attention." Typical of teachers, really. I suppose I was the one who was right in this case. "Are there empty seats?" Sam looks around, as he hasn't actually bothered to figure this out yet. (edited)

There are no available seats.

"I-I can just stand here, then. I don't really mind or anything."

"Sounds like you've solved it. Good job."

"Doesn't look like it. I would ask the teacher in this case- or, sure, I guess that works." I would probably never bother to actually ask the teacher myself, but I'm trying to help here. Though, I was always made to show up on time in the first place...

I wonder what I'll do now. If they're really going to be here. Why does she care this much, right here, now of all times?! And how did they figure out? Was it Thomas' parents? ...Do I just give up eventually? I've thought that many times recently. I wonder what happened to make me start thinking this way. ...No, I have to figure out something. Giving up would be boring. If it's possible I can't go too far, I may just have to hang around inside the school. Which might be fine for now, but... I'll have to see, I guess. Instead of going out to the schoolyard, I should wait at the entrance to it.

Classes end uneventfully.

Sam sighs and gets up, preparing to leave the classroom unless stopped.

Autumn gets up as well.

Ashley does the same.

Aura approaches Ashley quickly.

"Hey, Autumn. Is it okay if I hang around the school a little while longer? I want to check some things."

"Of course. I'll show you around."

"It's fine. It sort of ruins the fun of it when you're just being guided everywhere."

Now of all times? I guess I can just tell her I'm busy with other things. Ashley turns to Aura, but not before calling to the other two: "Can you guys wait for me for a minute? I had things I wanted to talk to the both of you about, so..."

"I still have to make sure nothing goes wrong." Autumn does not respond to Ashley. "Heya, bestie!" Aura.

"Okay." He responds to both Autumn and Ashley by simply waiting in the classroom.

"Hey, Aura! Look, I'm kinda busy right now, so I'm gonna have to go in like a minute, but what's up?"

"Oh, nyever mind then... I don't wanna bother you!" Aura.

"...Oh. Okay. Talk later then!" Ashley turns to Sam. "So, you wanna go now?"

Sam starts walking around and very seriously investigates parts of the classroom. "Hey, this desk arrangement is quite interesting. At my last school, it definitely wasn't like this. No wonder I was confused about the seating earlier." He responds to Ashley. "Sure. Though, actually, if you want to stay here and think that makes more sense, then that's fine too. I was thinking about staying here and just waiting for people to clear out. Either works."

"Uh… well…" I can't stick around here if it means being around Aura. I need to be able to tell Autumn what's going on with her without getting her all riled up about it. "I think the place you mentioned before is better for me, really. Nicer there than just standing around in a boring ol' classroom."

"Fair enough, though... I'll stay inside, even if we go to that general area." He leaves this time and heads to the entrance to the schoolyard, but doesn't actually go outside.

Autumn goes with him.

Sam does not try to stop her from doing this.

Ashley goes with the two of them yup.

2 men with suits enter the school in front of them. They're clearly not from around here. Autumn quickly drags Sam into a broom closet.

"Okay, here we are. There's a lot to talk about, I'm s-" He stays quiet after that and waits.

Ashley shoves herself through the door of the broom closet after the two of them. (edited)

Autumn holds the door closed behind them.

Sam just does nothing and starts thinking to himself, but not particularly pensive at all, only thinking. He waits to see if either of the other two will say anything first.

Ashley starts whispering to him again. "Hey, mind giving me your number, actually? Especially with all this going on, it'd be nice if we weren't only able to talk face-to-face." She pulls out her phone expectantly.

"...That would be good, but my phone broke. Unless you want to call my parents." He whispers back.

6:33 PM

"Let's just say I got in a crash which should've killed me. That's the gist of it."

Her gaze uncomfortably turns downwards at this. "Oh. I'm… sorry." I was going to ask him about the 'evil' thing Ehn was saying he did, but… well, feels like a bad time to do that now. …Actually, wait! Ehn! That's what I was going to ask about before! "In that case, there's another thing I wanted to ask. Have you… um… have you ever seen…" She blushes a little, self-conscious about getting the words out. "It's this little white furry animal that kind of looks like a cat, except it can talk, and it calls itself 'Ehn'? It gives people superpowers and stuff, and, uh, yeah…" She looks away again, embarrassed by the ridiculousness of her question.

"Ashley… What are you talking about? This really isn’t the time to discuss your strange dreams."

"Not the way I would phrase it. I would go for a more cryptic type of response, the type which makes it sound ridiculous to anyone else who happens to be watching, but has a hidden truth. That's much more interesting." So I was right. Finally. Evidence that Ehn has been around here, likely causing problems... is it possible she's the reason they're here again? It's at least more likely now. I wonder if Ashley has any idea how helpful this is. "...But I guess now isn't the time for that. I have to repay the favor, and it's not like Autumn will get much out of knowing this, so I won't be indirect." "Yes, you're right. Such an animal does exist. I'm not surprised someone here knows. Knows about the cause of at least half my problems, and someone who is no doubt out to get me now." He is a little uneasy. "...And she's certainly no cat."

"Sam, please don’t encourage this."

"...I'm sorry, Autumn, but this actually happened. I've already tried to tell at least one other person of any of this, and he called me insane, so it's fine if you don't get it, but... When it comes to this, I'm just tired. Please let this conversation play out for now, at least."

She sighed. "I expected better from you of all people."

"So did I. I expected better of myself."

Ashley winces at Sam confronting her so directly. "Autumn, it wasn't a dream. It's just a character from a video game a lot of people like playing, so I wanted to know if he'd get it. Isn't it normal to try to find common interests to talk about with friends?"

"We don’t make friends like that, especially not at a time like this. Friendship is about people helping each other. Getting close to people through common interests is just called an echochamber." She turns to Sam expectantly. "Don’t you agree, Sam?"

"I agree with the premise, but I think understanding is a form of help in itself. If we understand each others' situations better, game or otherwise, then that will make it easier to help in the future."

"How is understanding a game helpful here at all?"

"Well, from the looks of it, Ashley is bound to talk about this more. Have you read works of fiction in the past? Sometimes, the mysteries, methods, and motives involved correlate very closely to real life occurrences. There are things to learn in many cases. Otherwise it'd be much less interesting. It's sort of like that." "Oh, but I still think this was real. I'm just answering what you asked."

"Yeah! And anyways, I don't think helping others and having casual conversation are mutually exclusive. I still want to help Sam however I can, but in a situation like this where we can't really do much for the time being other than wait, is it so bad to find something to pass the time with?"

"…Fine." She sighs disappointedly.

"Thank you…! I promise I'll do my best to help him, so don't worry about that!" She smiles sheepishly before turning back to Sam. "So… what's happened with Ehn in your game? For me, I'm stuck trying to figure out a way to break its control over people. This morning, it… took over my- my character's body as a 'favor' for the power it gave me, and… made me do something to hurt someone else." Despite her efforts, she can't hide the shame on her face saying this. "And it kept talking about how it'd force other people to return those 'favors', too. I… I'm trying to find a way to stop that from happening. I can't relax knowing it could take over me or anyone else now." (edited)

"I think you need significantly better taste in video games."

Do I really have to play along with this? Everything is real. I'm sure she realizes that, but is she framing everything this way because of Autumn, or of her own volition? ...Fine, I'll go with it. It's good to know she's at least not on Ehn's side. That could've been much worse and would've required much more effort to explain. But taking over other people? That's new to me. I should really watch out in that case. Imagine, she could be causing problems under the guise of others... Quite interesting, I must admit, but much too dangerous for me. Who can I even trust? ...Does it even matter? "That all sounds correct. Well, I tried to distance myself from everything. You could say I tried to move on from the game, but clearly I'm not being allowed to escape it. It's all quite annoying." "I had a couple of 'favors' assigned to me, and all of them were quite ridiculous. I tried to bail out much earlier, though. In my last task... I did everything I could. But once it became clear that it was impossible, I could do nothing but leave and run away. ...This is the real nature of those requests. 'Returning the favor?' It sure would be nice if that was at all reasonable. I'm sorry you've been roped into this. Maybe it's my fault for coming here in the first place, but I wonder often if there was a better solution. Who knows, really?"

8:13 PM

"Nothing but problems. That's the result of all this." He whispers this in the sharpest way possible.

"So you could choose to back out…? And if you had to do more than one favor for that thing, does that mean you have a bunch of powers too? It told me there was only one request it could ask for per ability, but I figured it might be lying."

"No and no. I tried to back out by running away. And now she's back here, I guess. I only got one ability, and I didn't even want it in the first place, and it wasn't even good, and... I could go on and on about how dumb that was."

8:34 PM

"Perhaps I technically only had one request beforehand. Then I was told to go do some ridiculous missions with no coherence at all. I almost wish I could say this to her directly. Who knows, maybe she's listening right now! Not that it matters much at this point."

"How could a video game character be listening?"

"I don't know. Through a phone or something? I could speculate, but as I said, I don't know."

"Why are you playing a game that leaves you with such an irrational fear? There's no situation where this would help you."

"I guess it is pretty realistic...?" The excuse comes out awkwardly. "You know, we probably do need better taste, haha. Just so easy to go along with what everyone else is playing, I guess." (edited)

"Well, it's as I said. I stopped."

Autumn looks at Ashley with thinly concealed disgust.

That went pretty terribly. But it does give me a lot more to work with than before. I should probably stop the conversation about it before she starts thinking of me as even more of a weirdo… In any case, there'll probably be time to talk this through with Sam later on, and this is enough for now that I don't need to push any further. As annoying as he can be sometimes, maybe if we keep working together on this, we can find out how to stop that Ehn thing from ruining both our lives. God, it's so fucking insane that I'm even worrying about something like this. There's no way this isn't all still some massive hallucination, is there? It's not like I needed superpowers to help anyone in the first place, especially not fucking INVISIBILITY. If I can just get Aura away from her shitty family and go back to making the world a better place like normal, that's enough for me. If all of this is about that jacket, maybe it'd be better if I… Well, I should probably keep it around until the whole Aura situation blows over, at least. If it comes to that, there'd be nothing more helpful if I needed to resolve things by force. I wonder if Sam's power is tied to a physical item too… Right, ask about that later. I should be focusing on the problems I want solved right now, not on all these extra details. "We can probably stop talking about it now anyways. Sorry if we annoyed you, Autumn." Ashley tries to shrug it off embarrassedly. "Why did you tell Sam to come here today, anyway?"

"So I could watch over him, in case they returned. And they have, so my efforts were warranted."

"...You were right, yes. Admittedly, I often genuinely wonder why either of you are going through all this effort, but I appreciate it in any case."

"Because I’m a good person. What more reason would there need to be?"

"..." He doesn't respond and waits to see if Ashley will answer.

"Autumn's right. I want to be a good person too, and there's no way I could be if I abandoned someone who needed my help! Especially not if it's someone who Autumn's friends with." She turns to Autumn. "Great thinking, by the way."

"Well, alright. ...Thanks. In any case, it's ironic that Autumn told me to come here. Staying right here right now might be the safest option for me."

"Hm… I’d rather we didn’t spend all day in this tight space, though. It’s quite uncomfortable. It almost feels like some childish romance fantasy."

"Fair! Want me to leave in that case?" I considered saying that, but I'm not one for meaningless tropes either. "Well, I doubt there will be issues if either of you two leave at some point. This is just on me, right?"

"O-Oh, uh, I guess… I mean, I really didn't mind, but if it's an issue for you, I can leave the next chance I get… I did have one other thing I wanted to talk about, though."

"There aren't really issues, it's just a question of if better options exist."

"Hm… At this rate, you probably can’t stay at our house tonight." She considers things for a moment. "These lawyers are really being an inconvenience, how typical."

"Agreed. Lawyers... do tend to be quite inconvenient." "I tend to go to the forest most of the time, but it's probably not worth it for me to try and get there right now."

"People in this town owe me a lot of favours. I could probably find somewhere safe for you through them."

Part of me doubts this, but that's not the main issue... "Maybe, but it matters less than how I'm going to get out of the school without being noticed."

"If we wait long enough, they’ll have to leave eventually."

"I wonder about that. ...Well, most likely."

"How should we pass the time, then?"

"I don't know. I've gotten quite used to waiting and doing nothing, but I don't find it particularly exciting. Do either of you have any ideas?"

"I usually just help people to pass the time, but there’s no one to help right now."

Should I let him use the jacket? She might get mad at me for having hidden it from her… but it'd be an easier way to get him out of here than just waiting around. There's no telling if it'd even work on someone other than me, anyways, so it could just end up making me look even weirder to her… Besides, I definitely don't want to risk having Ehn force him into something because I let him borrow that power. It'd probably be better to just leave it to Autumn for now. "There is someone I wanted to ask you about helping, actually…"

"Go ahead. I've met quite a few people."

"What is it?"

"Back when I was at the Nielsens' house before— you know, back when my parents made me go over there for dinner— I was trying to look for someone who knew where he was…" she nods in Sam's direction. "But that wasn't the only thing that happened when I was over there. We were all having dinner together, and… I saw Aura's mom abusing her. Right as I was sitting there, she was cursing out her daughter and… and hitting her… I had to threaten to record her to get it to stop, and I bet it got even worse after I left. The point is, I saw it!" Her eyes light up. "I know you said nobody's abusing her, that the police did an investigation, but they were wrong! It's not just me imagining things. It literally happened right in front of me!"

"Ashley… You wouldn’t lie to me like this, would you?"

"Wh-What?? No, I'm not lying! Why would I lie about that?!" (edited)

"That’s exactly what I don’t understand. Why are you lying to me? Are you so desperate to buy into Aura’s lies?"

"So you were out looking for me after all..." He tries to give a smile in her direction. "...I believe you. But why was Aura's mom doing this? What did she say?"

"Sam." She says semi-forcefully.

"I'm not… Look, my parents were there too! You can ask either one of them, they were sitting right next to me!" A sinking feeling worms its way through her chest. "Her mom was saying how Aura was… adopted, and that she was embarrassing the family whenever she talked. It was awful."

Okay, it's very clear Autumn very much knows this is a possibility and is just denying it. "...I'd prefer to dispute this story with logic if possible. I'm considering all possibilities. There's no reason not to do that, right? Otherwise the two of you will keep believing different things." He says this to Autumn.

"Ashley… You need to stop lying to me. You didn’t see that because it didn’t happen. If your parents really did see that, don’t you think they’d have called the police? Don’t you think they’d have done something?" She gets increasingly bitter in her tone. "What are you going to pretend happened? They just entrusted dealing with this to you? They put aaaaall that responsibility and trust on you? You’re not the only person who can do anything, Ashley. No one's going to let you save the day on your own."

11:13 PM

She turns around. "…Sorry. I got carried away there. I just don’t like being lied to is all."

Sam is a little uneasy after this remark, but responds. "...That's fine. But the only way to turn down a lie is to confront the possibility itself. Whether Ashley was told anything by her parents and what Aura actually did are largely irrelevant." "Of course, you have a point. If this happened, it's clear Ashley didn't call the police. Are her parents in the police or something, by any chance?" This is what I really want to know. Autumn's parents are, Thomas' parents are... And then there's the matter of my parents. I didn't think about it before, but wouldn't the mafia be at odds with any police hanging around here? Something isn't right.

Ehn/PC

"Autumn, I…!" Ashley physically recoils from the words, unable to find any of her own for a moment. "Are you really making me go out and try to get video evidence of this just to get you to believe me? Suddenly it all has to be about logic and proof?? Why is it that whenever it's about this, it's the one thing you never believe me on?! When you tell me you need my help with something, like when I was looking for Sam with you, you didn't suddenly start doubting I was trying to find him. When you need me to do something, I do it. That's always how it's been!" Her voice starts wavering. "So why can you never trust me about this one thing? What is it about me?! If you'd tell me, I'd do anything to fix it! I just… Don't you get that all I want to do is help you…?"

"…" She reaches for the door handle but stops. "Do you think you’re better than me, Ashley?"

"No! I'd never think that. I promise, I think you're so much better than I could ever be in my entire life!" (edited)

She only seems to get more angry.

"Well, I somehow doubt she thinks she's better than you." He looks at Autumn, then away in no particular direction. "Ashley. What if she doesn't think you need to help her?"

11:32 PM

"Maybe she doesn't need the help, or at least believes she can handle whatever the situation is. Not without basis, admittedly, but I'm looking for the right angle to approach this from."

"Sam… Your input isn’t needed right now."

"…Do you think that?" Ashley looks at her, on the verge of tears. "Do you really not… want me to…?"

"...Fine." And once again, he goes back to silence.

"Ashley… This isn’t the time to be crying." She sighs. "But no, I don’t need your help and I never have. That doesn’t mean I don’t… Appreciate it." She says this almost like it’s an admission of guilt. "But stop doubting my parents. Stop doubting me. Okay?"

Ashley can't help it. As soon as she gets out the word 'Okay' in response, she starts sobbing uncontrollably. Her crying is noiseless— she knows better than to let anyone outside hear her inside the closet. But against all of her efforts to stop the flow of tears from her eyes, or to prevent her shoulders from shaking, or to keep her sight from spiraling into nothingness, it explodes out of her without restraint. It takes about two minutes for this to stop. "…….Thanks… Autumn…"

"Now, apologize."

"I'm so sorry. I'm really, honestly sorry. I'll never do it again, I s-swear." She says this without a second of hesitation.

"I'm glad to hear it." She smiles. "You better stop hanging around Aura now, she's poisoning you with her delusions of victimhood."

...I wonder if anyone will realize we're here after all this... Should I just leave? Is it too unsafe to keep staying here? No, there's no point. If it came to that, I suppose this is it. I get to sit here and wait having accomplished absolutely nothing. When seeing this, I'm just reminded of the Sentasaurus and Hav all over again, watching some breakdown go down while the world moves on and I have no idea what to do... At this point, if it comes to it, just as this is the safest place if we're not found, I've locked myself in if we're found. All I have left is the mystery, I guess, if I want to explain any of that. I didn't manage to help anyone. Which is great, I guess I wasn't much good at that in the first place. Sam does not outwardly react to any of this besides with a mostly imperceptible sigh.

Ehn/PC

"I'm glad to hear it." She smiles. "You better stop hanging around Aura now, she's poisoning you with her delusions of victimhood."

"Yeah… You're right. Of course I won't." (edited)

There's a knock. "Is someone in there?"

Ashley turns to Sam, taking off her jacket and giving it to him. "If they come in, put this on, and zip it all the way up," she whispers to him as quietly as possible. She does not respond to the knock at the door otherwise. (edited)

"Wh-" The objects! Right! I forgot. Why else would she give me something like this for no reason? Well, I know for sure that objects work with any user. I don't know how many other people have this information, but in any case, that means... This is my opportunity to get rid of that, too. "I see. Thank you." He whispers back. Sam puts the jacket on and prepares to do as instructed. He also unzips his backpack and throws Ashley two halves of the fish he received ages ago, then attempts to whisper everything he can. "...If you eat it, it might help you fight back. Try punching something, maybe. I might've broken it, and I'm really sorry if I did, but this is all I can do. But I'm not the one who needs this if it works. ...Despite all of this, you're the only one who has a shot at figuring out the truth, and I do mean you. ...Good luck."

((I don't think you have those))

((do I not? I thought I picked it back up- whatever we can go with this if you want))

Figuring out the 'truth'? I have no idea what he's talking about… But I'm glad he cares, anyway. Even if I probably won't need to use whatever this is. Ashley nods and holds on to the fish, not doing anything with it yet.

The door swings open, and Autumn falls flat on her face as a result.

Sam zips up the jacket and starts rushing away outside the school and to the forest. (edited)

Sam turns invisible. ((End session because I'm so tired))

"Why are you girls hiding in here?" There's a teacher, with one of the men in suits behind them. Autumn clutches her nose. "Ow..."

(( @dusk come on guys it's been 2 hours and neither of you have responded))

((Isn't Sam not here,))

((I forgot to precise the door is blocked by the teachers yeah MY BAD. You can count this one against me that's fair))

There's a certain kind of situation Ashley could probably pass this off as– one she kinda wishes was happening instead– but Autumn probably wouldn't like that, so a different excuse it is. "Um... We were just... curious about what kind of stuff was in here?" she manages, trying not to blush while fantasizing about that other situation.

"Please stop kissing in the broom closet. This isn’t the 50s." The teacher. "We’re not-" Autumn looks around notices Sam is gone. Begrudgingly, she responds. "…I’ll be sure to keep that in mind."

"Haha… sorry about that, yeah…" She can barely hold herself together enough to give this reply as she internally celebrates this mistake on the teacher's part.

They move aside to let Ashley and Autumn leave.

She slowly walks out of the closet, both to play into her own embarrassment and to give Sam more of a chance to leave alongside the two of them undetected.

The guy in the suit stops them and shows an image of Sam. "Have you seen this man?"

"Hm?" It's probably useless to hide the spark of recognition in her eyes at someone she literally just saw next to her a few seconds ago, so she goes for a more 'vague familiarity' approach. "Ummm..... I feel like he looks kinda familiar, but I can't remember where I'd have seen him before. Does that help?"

Autumn completely hides any spark of recognition and replies like she's being honest. "I've never seen this man in my life, sorry. Didn't you ask this yesterday? You must be really incompetent to have to keep harassing students at school about that, huh?" She smiles as usual. He doesn't respond and leaves.

"Wow, you're good at this," Ashley remarks once the guy in the suit is gone.

"My parents taught me well." She nods. ((I'm going to assume Sam leaves by now so channel split)) (edited)

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam opts to run off towards the forest for now as this is the location he discussed earlier in case someone wants to meet him, even if it might not be safe on its own anymore. I remember that last part of the previous conversation... What's bound to happen now? The suit guys are back, I guess. Are they the same ones? And... 'have you seen this man'...? It's all quite annoying. Not like I'm some wanted criminal, I'm not even 18. Since it's Naomi who's looking for me, one of us is going to have to give up eventually, and I don't know who that'll be. But for now... From what I can tell, they weren't able to see me, so this is what Ashley's item was for. I don't know what she would be using this for, but it's a shame. This is much more interesting than the fish, I don't understand Ehn at all. I've seen people opening doors, and all that too... So many ways of doing things that don't involve brute-forcing your way through a situation, or ways of solving everything much more easily, and yet I was given a fish instead. ...But if that item is still working, maybe Ashley will find some way to make use of it. That would be quite good, actually. I'm glad my prediction earlier was on the mark for once. If only everyone could receive items which could actually help them instead, then maybe I'd have more respect for Ehn. But she just seems to act on nonsense thoughts.

2:20 PM

What else? I don't know where Ashley and Autumn are going, but all I can do is wait to see what happens next. If Ashley was correct, Ehn may be asking me for a "favor" eventually. If it happens, we'll see how that plays out. I have a lot to say. Avengard is no doubt connected to the events of this town at this point, and vice versa, as much as I hate it. ...Will I come to a decision on whether I want to leave all of that behind or not? I doubt it, all I've learned from my time here is that I'm far too inconsistent to come to any meaning regarding Avengard. And maybe there isn't any. Just an arbitrary web of connections with no purpose. I can say "it was a poor coincidence that the town I happened to run to was related in this manner", yet from another perspective, events occurred that way, and how I deal with it is up to fate. But for now, if this and that are connected... All I can do is remember what I learned back then, and maybe come to an answer which might help resolve my problems, at least slightly. What color suits were those guys wearing?

Black suits.

...The black suits are with Naomi, that's for sure. None of the other groups I remember from back then have been around here once, so this is definitely a personal mission on Naomi's part, for whatever motivations she might have. Thomas speculated they were with the government, but there's no way that's true, unless the mafia and the government are connected. That's not impossible, but irrelevant. Instead, It's as I thought earlier. So this is no doubt a self-serving mission, as I would expect from her. Objectively, there is no reason for anyone else to be looking for me. Maybe the Sentasaurus? He might've written a tweet at some point, sure, but I doubt he would be strictly motivated anymore. He's hard to understand sure, but it's just less likely after all this time. But otherwise, Gordon's group has no reason to be looking for me, and any rival mafia groups of Naomi's and such would rather see me be permanently dead rather than anything else. Speaking of which, that mystery which I never bothered to figure out... how I wasn't determined to be dead. I don't have any sort of tracking device on me, probably, but I guess my body wasn't recovered from the car crash? That could be it. And this is the closest place to that crash. Exactly. There was no deeper meaning to any of that. But someone told them about the crash, and then someone went to check, and that could've been anyone. Maybe Gordon reported my death, but someone - probably Naomi - went and doubted it. Or someone else in that group, but that's largely irrelevant. It's not like the proof of my death existed to begin with. Turns out being presumed dead is harder than it looks, and providing that proof would no doubt require much more effort on my part than the result which reality is showing. No amount of Ehn insanity would solve that either.

2:46 PM

...It's annoying. I come to all these conclusions, but the answer is just the simplest thing, and nothing tied to the people here. Are the police problems related to Autumn and Thomas just entirely unrelated to my problems? I just don't have it in me to admit to such a thing, that all of this work might amount to nothing... There's always these grand conspiracies, that's much more interesting, that has to be right. Surely they knew something, but it's not like I can figure out who said what... Well, actually, maybe I can now, if I were to tail one of the black suits. But do I risk it? Even if somehow I'm unheard, even existing in the wrong place could cause problems. I'll wait for now, but I'll definitely consider going elsewhere. After that long chain of reasoning, Sam opts to sit down for a little while to see if anyone comes in the general area of the forest soon.

Thomas enters the forest.

Thomas is here, probably. What now, do I show myself? If Ashley was right that Ehn can "control" others, then it could be that she has bad intentions with all of this and is refusing to show herself the way she did in the past. Plus, even if this is Thomas, I'm sure there will be a lot of questions if I have this jacket. I could put it away in my backpack for now, I suppose, but that would be bad if one of the black suits comes here and I'm caught off guard. Them seeing me in the first place would confirm I'm here. ...Then again, apparently they're not doubting that fact to begin with. ...If Ehn is behind this, then I'm sure she knows I'm here anyway. That detail is very important. He waits for a minute or so to see what Thomas does next, if anything.

He looks around. "Sam!? Are you around here?"

...I'm worrying too much about this, it doesn't matter, if the black suits know I'm around, they know anyway... And in regards to my earlier problem with Thomas, I can just say I stole it... Sam goes behind a tree and unzips the jacket but doesn't put it away, then waves at Thomas. "...It's a little unsafe for me to show myself now. But yes, what's going on?" (edited)

"Okay, good, you saw them."

"Yeah. I'm as on alert as I can be right now. ...How are things on your end?"

"…Not great."

"Well, considering last night, I imagine so, but... What happened?"

"I tried talking to Ashley. …Being more open. I don’t think it helped."

...She straight up doubted what she saw herself after Autumn did what she usually does, so maybe you're right, but... She wasn't so far gone as to not realize what was happening around her in that moment. And she knows about Ehn. ...It's as I said earlier: if anyone can put the pieces of this mess together, it's her. "You think so? I talked to her a little bit. While you're probably right that there are some... roadblocks, I think she's at least thinking about everything. Whatever you said was probably worth it."

"That’s… More optimistic than I expected from you."

"I mean... I'm trying to solve what I can. I can't say I have too much hope for my own situation, as much as I'm trying still, but I'm also trying to help with things here. ...Maybe I'm trusting you too much. But if I can't do anything here, then what am I staying around for? If there are interesting events, then what else can I do?"

"…Do you really plan to sleep out here? In the forest?"

"...Well, it's the best option available to me. But it's not like staying at Autumn's house was ever part of my plan to begin with. I'll go back if it's safer, really. Depending on what comes next. And the people I trust know to find me here anyway."

"You trust them?"

"Huh? I meant that you know I'm here. If the black suits know I'm here, then of course I'm not sticking around."

"You said people. Plural."

...So much for that possible excuse, but I don't know what I would've said anyway. "Oh. Well... for now. I trust Ashley not to blow my cover, at least. Autumn... As long as it's in her interest, and for now that seems to be the case somehow, and I can't expect much more. And the two are sort of connected. ...In regards to your situation, I'm less sure they'll do what's best, but I'm hoping there, as I said."

"…" He sighs. "Why do you think they like you?"

"...I don't know." He sighs as well. "I asked that question, you know. Apparently, Autumn is under the impression that she's helping, but I don't know what she would think if she thought I was a 'bad person', whether that's the case or not. Maybe she just sees my situation as a challenge that's easy to help with. But I figure the real reason is because she cares about Ashley, but it's impossible to know exactly why Ashley cares especially when Autumn is around. I guess I helped her? It's unclear, still. The two have answers locked behind each other." "That's the strangest part, isn't it? Ashley was friends with Aura before, but Autumn disliked her. Yet somehow this friendship isn't an issue at all. I don't get why Aura was singled out. I chalked it up to school tropes at first, but I guess it's not so simple. ...What do you think about her?" Despite my own thoughts on Aura, this has been one of the strangest points... And solving the occurrences here is important, as I said.

"…I don’t think you’re on the right track at all. I… Don’t really think they like you. They like what you represent. You’re new. You’re like… An escape. From this town. As much as they want to pretend they’re happy here, that this is what they want… I think they’re begging for you to take them away. To fix them, somehow."

"...That's interesting, but I have trouble believing that. Ashley, maybe, but... From what I can see, Autumn is totally fine doing 'good' things here, and I doubt she wants anyone to 'fix' whatever she's up to. I don't even think she believes she has any problems with whatever she's up to currently. Or I'm just biased because I wanted to be here instead of the other way around. That town I came from is the last thing I want to represent." "It's ironic. I suggested to you in the past to escape from this town, right? What keeps you here? What keeps anyone here? ...Maybe I'm just the same. Perhaps I like escaping too."

"I think I’m done with escaping."

"Then what's your plan? It's... a valid perspective. I think it works for a lot of people. It just didn't work for me, which is why I suggested what I did."

"…I don’t know. I just… Need to make things settle down. Get Aurora old enough to be free from my parents… And then, I guess… That’s all I’ve really got left." (edited)

"Get her old enough? The idea is good, but... I don't know how much waiting will solve things."

"I don't have anything else."

"Maybe, but... Well, I guess if you're not going to run off, then that's the best that can be done while staying. But the way things are going now, it appears more likely to me that waiting will just cause things to blow up instead of settling down. I also wish everything going on here would be slower paced. Perhaps I'm just a pessimist as it comes to matters like that."

"Perhaps."

"I guess we'll see. Or, you'll see. Depends on if I get my situation to settle down."

"I guess we will. Though there are certainly some outcomes I’d prefer over others."

"I would say the same. ...Well, good luck. In either case, I sure hope I'm stuck here in this crazy town with you."

"I can’t say I feel the same. But… You’re more than welcome to trade."

"...Time will tell, I suppose."

"…" Thomas. Autumn walked into the forest. ((Sorry we have to pause here because you’re too far ahead. I’ll let you know if we can resume later))

((Idk when you can go next yet sorry))

((that's fine))

((Still can’t give you a session sorry))

((don't apologize. ~~this implies that I particularly want sessions~~ I'm fine waiting))

((Could you hypothetically have a session on Saturday?))

((like tomorrow? I guess yeah))

((Yeah))

((Sorry cicada isn’t quite at the point yet but definitely will be soon. Just give me a bit))

((it's fine. I was going to ask you if I could delay a little anyway))

2:04 PM

((fully unironic. I need to take a nap or something bye))

((Oh okay))

((I'll be there in an hour or so I guess))

Autumn was clearly in a horrible mood. She clutched her head. "There you are. …And with him, too?" Thomas stands in between the 2. "Leave him alone."

Sam gets up and walks to somewhere that's not directly behind Thomas and faces both of them. "He showed up here, not much I can say. ...Did I miss something?"

"Oh, nothing. Just those random lawyers looking for you. Where were you planning to stay tonight?" Autumn. "How did you know he’d be here?" Thomas. Autumn ignores him.

"I'm probably just going to stay here." To Autumn. "I'd rather not go anywhere needlessly. Unless you think it's safer to go back to your house." "...The same way you know I'm here, probably." He responds to Thomas afterwards.

"Oh, no… It’s definitely too dangerous at my house now. But I figured out another possibility." Autumn. "What? Are you going to turn him in yourself?" Thomas. "No, I’m not interested in carrying out your paranoid delusions because I have my own interests. I’m sorry your life is so painful, but mine is doing quite well… So I guess it must be your fault, huh?" Autumn put on the most aggressively 'not mad' face imaginable. "I’m just being careful. You’re the one who rushed to hurt me. It seems like you’re doing pretty bad too." Thomas. Autumn turned back to Sam without answering.

"...Yes, there's clearly a lot happening outside of whatever I'm up to. I'm ultimately much more keen on resolving the matters here than whatever happens to me, but..." He addresses this to neither of the two and sort of just says it. "Well, anyway. What would that be? I'm not sure what's better than just staying here." He asks Autumn.

"The church." Autumn. "That’d work, I guess. It’s not the worst idea." Thomas. "Yes, that’s because it’s not yours." Autumn.

"...I suppose that could work." He ignores the exchange. Being in a larger building could make sense, and barging into a church is certainly not the best thing ever. I still have to get there, but I've already established the problems with being here right now. "Do you suppose the church guy- well, Father Morgan- is around there? He probably still thinks I'm not even in this town currently."

"Oh, I talked to him. Follow me, I know a good way to make it there without you being seen." Autumn. (edited)

"..." Am I just being led away for a different reason? Thomas did suggest something similar earlier. ...I'm vaguely thinking about Ashley's situation. I'd prefer to talk here a little longer. On the other hand, it's clear that no conversation of interest will occur with these two in the same place. "...Fine then. I doubt we can accomplish much else in this conversation. Well, I suppose it's clear where I'll be." He sort of nods in Thomas' direction, then follows. (edited)

Autumn leads the way to the church. Thomas also follows.

...Autumn hasn't said anything. I don't mind this, though. The less problems, the better. I'm hoping to not be stuck in the middle of any conflicts. Reminds me of those arguments people would have in school all the time. I suppose I have gone to the school recently, so that's been on my mind. Either way, even if it isn't necessarily bad here, I doubt there's much I can figure out about anything going on elsewhere by asking both Autumn and Thomas at the same time. Sam simply continues forward in silence.

Autumn confidently walks directly into the church and approaches Father Morgan. "Good afternoon! We need your help to hide Sam here from now on." "Hm... I suppose I did say yes to that, didn't I? Alright." Father Morgan motions to a door at the back. "Follow me, Mr. Kidink." (edited)

"...Thanks." He says this to Father Morgan and follows.

Thomas hugs Sam suddenly. "...Good luck. I have to go back home, now." Autumn cringes slightly at this sight.

"Uh..." Sam has many different questions at this point. Shouldn't you have better things to do? Other things to worry about? And this isn't very interesting. What's the best course of action here? "...Okay." He is ultimately unable to think of a good response to add on afterwards, and sort of just leaves to follow Father Morgan.

Thomas leaves. "...What a weirdo, right?" Autumn follows Sam.

"...Not an interesting reaction, at least." A somewhat more coherent response this time. Well, you should know how Ashley is... Considering that should be enough to convince me to avoid thinking about it further, I think.

"If I ever hug you, it’ll be much more earned." Autumn. Father Morgan arrives at a small room with a bed. "Here. You can hide yourself in this room." (edited)

"...You should stick to Ashley, then." To Autumn. "Okay, thanks." To Father Morgan.

"…What’s that supposed to mean?" Autumn. "Oh, and don’t go sharing the bed. Not only is it against our rules, it couldn’t support the weight. You’ll have to go, Ms Peterson." Father Morgan.

"...Well, if you want to help her, you should see it through, I guess."

"I did help her. She’s listening to me now."

"Good to know."

"So…?"

"That's good, I guess? You've hugged her before, right? That's also good."

"Enough about Ashley. I’m trying to ask about you." Autumn. Father Morgan mutters something annoyedly about teenagers, and leaves.

"What are you asking about me?"

"Well, how are you? Why did you vanish? Why are you wearing Ashley’s sweater?"

"I'm okay, but trying to figure everything out for now. Thanks for asking. I vanished because I left as soon as I figured out a way to escape. I'm wearing the sweater because Ashley gave it to me for some reason. I don't actually know what she was thinking when she gave me this, but I guess I'll keep it until she shows up again." Earlier, there was no convincing Autumn that any of the Ehn business was real, and same with Thomas. It's like you have to see her to believe in the existence of it. Which is quite annoying for communicating anything. I wouldn't mind if more people knew the truth because that would be more interesting, but none of my explanations have proven helpful as of yet.

"Give it to me."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because it’s not yours and it doesn’t fit you. Do you really need a reason? Give it to me."

8:13 PM

"…Hm?" She checks her phone for a moment.

"Well, it's not yours either, right? I figure continuing to wearing it is the safest and easiest option. I tend to be the type of person to need reasons for most things as well." When I think about it now, perhaps I could get out of here now if I wanted to, but after coming all this way? Is that really helpful? Plus, the point of me being here is to be safer anyway... I don't know. In Autumn's hands, this is completely useless since she has no idea what it's for, so it's more helpful for me to keep it. Unless I can somehow convince her of the truth.

"Ashley wants you to show me something about that jacket, apparently." Autumn. "I wouldn’t do that, if I were you." Ehn appeared.

"Ah. There are you are." I knew she'd show up eventually. Of course when the objects are actually having real consequences. "No wonder, Autumn. Remember what we talked about earlier? It's all connected back to Ehn. That's probably the reason Ashley asked. It's related, anyway." "...Well? Why? Maybe I should give it to her now." Directed at Ehn.

"That video game?" Autumn. "Hey, I’ve done nothing but help you! Every time you ignore me, things get worse for you and yet you keep blaming me anyway! Just trust me this time and don’t let Autumn know about the objects! What do you want in exchange? I can be generous, even if you’re the worst!" Ehn.

"Yes." At Autumn. It's easier to just say things this way. "Help me? Me being in this situation in the first place is because you roped me into Avengard's underworld nonsense! I was right to try and escape from everything, even if it seems now that things are too connected to each other for me to back out. All I ever wanted was to live normally. I'd ask for that, but I'm not even sure if that's possible anymore. But fine. I'd rather talk elsewhere." "Ask Ashley what she meant!" He adds on an extra statement for Autumn. "I'm going to exit the room for a little bit... To ask Father Morgan about this church's layout so I know what to do later, and maybe help out since he's already helping me. I'll be back soon." I doubt her asking Ashley will help her understand anything considering what's happened so far. I really don't need either Autumn or Ehn on my case much more at the moment. He then does what he said by exiting the room then zipping the jacket up unless forcibly stopped. If not, he proceeds back the way he came to the forest, not really thinking of any better options. (edited)

Autumn grabs his arm and stops him from leaving. "Stop passing the responsibility onto each other like I’m some helpless annoying child. Tell me what’s going on." "You got stuck in that because of Bob and your mother! I pulled you guys out! You owe me, Sam! You want a normal boring life? Really? Don’t lie to me! You’d hate to spend every day with a mother that doesn’t love you! You’d hate to spend every day with a father that just follows her orders! You’d hate to stay in a school where the only person who talks to you has to pretend you’re worthless! Your life is miserable! Worthless! Until I visited you, your existence was defined by nothing but endless apathy! Live normally????? You constantly complain that nothing is interesting! You want to go back to a worse life? Live normally!? I saved you from your terrible life! I made you into a protagonist, a hero! I gave you magic powers that could crush any challenge that came in your way! You could’ve lived the interesting life you so clearly want, out of the range of your horrible normal life! But nooooo- You just have to complain about EVERYTHING that happens! It doesn’t matter if it’s interesting or boring. It doesn’t matter if it’s safe or dangerous. The only thing you can ever do is complain! Over and over and over again about anything and everything! Because being happy and seizing life for yourself is something you just can’t imagine! It’s too hard! Everything just sucks, no matter what. Well guess what, Sam? That’s on you! It’s always on you! Every single miserable moment in your life is your fault! Because all you can ever do is complain! I gave you the chance to create any world you could want, and you wasted it just to sit in the corner and throw yourself a pity party. You’re the protagonist! The grand decider! Not some spectator! Live normally? What complete nonsense! The only life you’d ever be satisfied by is death!" Ehn.

Sam gives a sigh before going into his side and just ignores Autumn's remark, partially wondering if she'll figure it out this time and also just not caring enough at the moment. "You don't get it! None of those things are normal! Of course I hate those things. I don't want to have to deal with the Sentasaurus- Bob- or my parents, sure. But I also don't want to have to deal with some mafia nonsense that doesn't matter to me, and I don't want to think about who to deal with or evade and every turn while getting kidnapped or whatever! I don't think any of those are 'normal'! Your 'solution' isn't any better than theirs!" "...Have you seen the random people going about their everyday lives in Avengard? I used to walk around, observing how they go about their lives. That's what's really interesting, learning what random activities they're up to and coming to an understanding! It was the same here, at least for a day or two! I like being here in this secluded town just because Ashley, Thomas, Autumn, everyone else is going through their own things that are interesting to watch, and maybe I can help guide them towards a good resolution because I'm an actual person and not some tool in your artificial narrative! But you screwed everything up in Avengard, and now you're screwing everything up here too! Back there, I liked talking to Mr. Kerloe or whoever, but you clearly forced him out of his situation too. And you say Bob got me stuck in my situation, but you still gave him the means to cause more damage and more problems for me and everyone else! Tell me what that was useful for! Tell me why either of those two should've been protagonists either!"

9:26 PM

"And now that you're here, you've given Ashley this jacket for who knows what reason. Autumn wouldn't be asking any questions if you just never showed up here, and she'd be perfectly fine helping me out without nonsense magic that defies reality. Giving me a magic fish to punch through everything solves nothing! If you want people to be 'protagonists' so bad, just make Ashley the one in control of your 'story'! I'd be fine being a spectator if it didn't mean getting into trouble every other hour! I would've been so close, but I guess not. Maybe you should consider that I'd be satisfied by death now only because of all this!"

"Have you lost your mind? Stop ignoring me!" Autumn slapped him. Ehn smiles smugly and relaxes. "…So that’s it. That’s why you’re here. I finally understand… Why she chose you for that power."

"Good. If it isn't you, then make whoever you answer to rethink their decision." He finally turns to Autumn and shrugs. "I just explained everything, even if it wasn't obvious. I do enjoy figuring things out from what people say, personally, but should I summarize for you?"

"Are you making fun of me?" Autumn. (edited)

"No. It was an honest question. But fine. ...The connection is simply that Ashley probably wants to get the jacket back to try and escape the game. That's probably what she wanted to address."

"She doesn’t want it back, she wants you to show it to me." Autumn. Ehn jumps up on Autumn’s shoulders, but Autumn doesn’t notice. "We met… To prove you wrong, definitively. A disease of bad ideology that needs to be corrected."

Oh! This is the phenomenon Ashley mentioned. I'm glad I got that piece of information earlier, or else I might've been a little confused. I just have to calm down and think, stand my ground, that will make things work... It's also very likely Ehn knows I know this, but whatever. "Sure, Ehn. You know full well that giving people things they don't want won't prove anything. Maybe we'll talk when someone like Ashley is put to the test. Anyway, now that Autumn won't be asking questions for now, what should be done with the jacket?"

"…You’ll see. For now, I have a question for you." Ehn. "Are you… Talking to your video game?" Autumn. (edited)

"Well, in a way, yes. I told you, right? I've been trying to escape."

"Do you think they make sure this ceiling is up to code often?" Ehn. A piece of rubble falls from the ceiling, striking Sam in the head. He’s knocked unconscious. ((End chapter))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

6: Altered Grounds

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam wakes up in the bed the next morning. The jacket is gone.

...Huh? He wakes up, still slightly dazed. What was I doing yesterday... Right. I got hit on the head... I don't think I passed out on the bed. How did I get here? ...Ehn showed up. That was the thing. I should get to figuring out... No, I can't. She's not here, seemingly, and I doubt she has any reason to show up again after that. ...Anyway, afterwards, I got knocked out, and maybe Autumn left me on the bed. He gets up and walks around a little. The jacket's gone. That means that it's in my best interests to stay within the church for now, if not this room. It's currently Saturday, so this will work for at least the rest of today. I doubt people come by here until tomorrow. Who took it? That should be my greatest concern. Presumably it was Autumn, but was that of her own accord? Did she figure out anything, or did Ehn pull some nonsense to get her to bring it back to Ashley without any knowledge? And Ehn said this place was unsafe right before I got knocked out... what was that about? Did she predict that, or did she make it happen, or something else? It's not all that fair. In any case, the jacket might've made its way back to Ashley at some point, or it's still with Autumn. Perhaps then, if one of those two was in the room with me right now, I wouldn't know. Still, I might as well try, though it's also equally possible such a person doesn't want to be found. At least that's an interesting situation. Otherwise, no one's here, and the best I can do is wait for someone I know to show up. "Hey, anyone there?" He just says this, not really expecting a response. Didn't I do this once before under similar pretenses? How silly. At least I have more basis this time.

Father Morgan stepped into the room. "...Good morning. You're up."

Oh. I suppose I should've expected that. Figures. No hidden person is going to show themselves now. I guess my thoughts still aren't as in order as they should be. "...Morning. I am, yes. ...Thanks."

"I'll bring you breakfast soon enough. Just don't do anything strange to disgrace this house of god."

I suppose I should avoid being an inconvenience in this situation. I mean, it's not like I have no experience with that... "...You don't have to if it's extra effort. In any case, don't worry, I plan on just staying in this room for the time being."

He left.

Okay, maybe I can try this again... "Is there anyone here?" He more or less asks the same question again, this time really not expecting anything. Evidently, the best I can do is stay here and try to collect my thoughts. I could try to leave, but won't Autumn or Thomas just attempt to find me here anyway? ...I suppose it depends on what is happening at all. If for some reason no one shows up, I might have to at least step out of the room. In that sense, this is both the best place to figure out what's going on, and the worst. I'm able to do a lot, but I'm also not able to do anything at all...

No one responds. Father Morgan returns with a simple breakfast.

"Thanks." At least he's nice. That's good for an adult who likely doesn't get involved in most of the day-to-day activities in the greater scope of the town. He sticks to what he wants to do, and has a very clear devotion to this church. It's quite respectable in some sense, really, though I don't know how complicated it gets. I'm sure I could ask questions if I get bored, but also, would that really benefit me? Shouldn't there be a lot I need to handle instead of thinking about these things...? For the first time in more than 7 days, it's a weekend for me, which means Autumn and Ashley aren't in school. It's a complete mystery what people here do when there's no school. Thomas likely has his hands full with Aura. There isn't much I can contribute to either of those situations without further knowledge. I complained a little about the people in Avengard yesterday before I was knocked out, and despite the clear link I've determined, there's very little I can determine from them. I almost wish I went out yesterday while I still had the jacket to figure out what was up with the black suits... Speaking of which, to no surprise, Ehn's capabilities are likely illogical. Figuring out how to work around that is a task I'm going to have to put lots of thought into. ...How sturdy is this place, really? That could help me determine exactly how much work I might need to do. Sam looks around the room to look for anything of note and also signs of any structural damage, though he doesn't expect much. After that, he waits a little longer to see if anything will happen. (edited)

((Roll)) "Yes, well… Have a good day and all that. The lord appreciates all visitors." Father Morgan.

((14)) "You too."

It’s just a small piece of the ceiling. It’s safe otherwise.

Looks fine. Regardless of whether this building is 'up to code', it's clear that what happened to me yesterday was a contrived event. One could make the argument that this isn't so strange after all considering the knowledge of what Ehn has done in the past. Or, well, whoever or whatever is behind Ehn since such a person - or other entity - no doubt exists at this point. There's a lot I'm missing, and it's a unique sort of mystery. Are abilities simply given 'because your story demands so' or 'plot convenience'? Does it make sense for people to disappear or for locked doors to open, and are those things connected at all? If a piece of the ceiling breaks and knocks me out right when 'foreshadowed' by Ehn, was it meant to occur or what? When I collect my thoughts and think about what was said earlier, Ehn was talking about some narrative of sorts with 'protagonists' and whatnot. While I'm not averse to that sort of thinking, her perceptions make absolutely no sense. She clearly has no idea what that means or what motivations are... ...But it's still kind of problematic. Just the general concept of all of this nonsense which defies reality. What's the point of it all? What am I missing? This is why I don't like dealing with situations which are blatantly nonsense, even if I have no choice in this case. Still, there have to be some rules, and not the contrived ones like giving everyone one object. I have to figure out what's real and what's not. Is anyone going to come down here after all? Maybe I should ask some questions. If no one's coming, then they have their other preoccupations. Sam exits the room and tries to find Father Morgan within the building unless something else happens.

((Saturday))

Father Morgan is in the front of the church, giving praying.

Sam looks at the front of the church. Okay... I guess I shouldn't bother him for now. People do come here today, apparently. Will he just be doing this most of the day? I could go up there and disguise my questions as a sort of consultation or similar, but I doubt I'd be the best at doing that, and it's just be easier to be more direct... and the questions I'd have are mostly about who comes by here, what they do, and so on. Maybe that's already been answered for me considering I'm here now. I suppose it makes sense that he does something outside of Sundays. I haven't actually seen what those are like here. Does everyone attend tomorrow? I don't know how good or bad that will be. That might be a matter I should actually address in case someone shows up. Maybe I don't mind watching how this plays out for now. He is going about his daily life, and there's little reason for me to intervene on that. Sam waits for a bit to see what happens and if Father Morgan will be available to talk to at some point.

"Did you need something?" He turns to Sam.

"Oh, I just had some questions, but that can wait if you're busy. You can go back to giving praying if you want."

"What did you need to ask? I'm here to guide people as well."

"Well, alright then. Does everybody come to the church on Sundays like tomorrow?"

"They should, yes. You'll have some exceptions like the Lauriers, unfortunately."

Okay, that's good to know... It's a little surprising. That means it's unlikely Ashley is going to show up here anytime soon. Though, since he didn't name anyone else, maybe Autumn, Thomas, and most others still come here? I wonder how much this will really help me, even if it's good to keep track of. Maybe I should just go for more interesting questions at this rate. "...What do you tend to do here on weekdays?"

"Many things. It's not exactly easy to condense. If you want something to do, feel free to grab a broom and sweep up the place."

"Hm. I'll consider doing that after this." It should be fine for me to hang out inside here, and it's not like there's much else I would be doing, and I've talked of doing something at all in the past. Who knows, maybe someone will show up to talk to anyways. Thinking about it, sweeping up this place could actually be one of the more interesting uses of time in my case. "...Did the Lauriers used to come here in the past?"

"No. They only moved here from Avengard a few years ago."

Oh. Okay, I guess that's about what I should've expected at this point. So many connections all over the place. I suppose Thomas isn't the only person who knows something about that city, but it's good contextualizing information. Perhaps that's also why Ehn knows about this town. "What do you know about Avengard?"

"Not much. It’s not relevant to me."

Now that I think about it, maybe anyone looking for me wouldn't actually expect to find me at a church after all. It's possible staying here tomorrow will still serve to my benefit. "What about the Nielsens? Do they come here?"

"Of course." Father Morgan. "And before you ask, of course the Petersons come here as well." Autumn entered.

"Oh, I implicitly assumed that. Otherwise I would've asked in the same sentence. Anyway, hi." So she isn't wearing the jacket right now, if nothing else. You know, I wonder if the Lauriers not coming to church impacts Autumn's perception of Ashley in some way...? It's probably a combination of factors.

"Hi!" She smiled.

"How are you?" I should ask her what happened at some point, right? Not that I expect a clear answer, but that's fine. And also, it would be stupid to ask any questions in front of Father Morgan.

"I'm fine. Why?" Autumn.

"No particular reason. I suppose it's a new day." There doesn't always have to be a reason, but I'm not dodging any questions, at least. She did ask me why I need reasons for things yesterday...

Autumn takes out her phone. "I'll call Ashley over. You should stay in that room, though. Anyone could walk into here."

"Oh, did she want to talk? That's fine, I suppose. I have a question or two for you as well, but I suppose it can wait." He turns to Father Morgan. "Thanks for answering." He then goes back to the room.

Ehn is sitting on the bed. "Good mooorning, Sam."

Sam is a little surprised, but composes himself this time. Oh, great. Guess there's some sort of extra plan going on here this time. I wonder how I should approach this conversation... She definitely has something to say. Best to wait for that first. I should treat this like a mystery and consider every possibility, of course. "Hey. What brings you back here?"

"A warning. Or… More like bragging, really."

He sighs. "Go for it, then. Autumn and Ashley aren't in the room, so you have time." If that's the case, she might just be looking for a reaction, right? Then, I shouldn't. Though, have I reacted much to anything at all? Either I'm starting to get numbed to all this, or there wasn't much room for me to react further anyway. It's weird, isn't it? Shouldn't I be much more worried this time? Well, maybe I'll get my answers.

"You lose. Today. No matter what you do, you’re going to go home and back to the plot."

...I had a feeling it might be about this. So what, then?! Did all my questions about what's going to happen tomorrow not matter? Was this for nothing? No. Let me think this through. First of all, she said "back to the plot". I was thinking about this narratively earlier, right? In that case, the event of me returning could be said to have been decided, depending on circumstances I don't know. Did Autumn going through all this effort not matter because she's not 'the protagonist'? Did my effort not matter for other reasons? If that's the case, then I should believe Ehn, and my fate really is sealed to some extent. I wonder what would happen if I simply disagreed with that? Okay, I don't know how I would go about doing that. Maybe not. ...I was on the verge of giving up many times, so should I just take it lying down? I don't know. I certainly have time to think in this situation. Even if it's today, there's more than enough time left. Was I just pretending this whole time that I could've found a good way out? What am I even looking for here? What parts of this situation am I denying? There's one thing I can do. Get answers, regardless of whether I can change the outcome or not. If she's this confident, then maybe it doesn't matter to her what questions I ask. That's what really works for me. "...Tch. Is that all? Thanks for warning me. Maybe I should go prepare for that now." He laughs a little, then pretends to leave, but stops. "I'd ask how you're sure of that, but I'm fairly sure I know. Still, I'd dare say this is much more 'the plot' than that is, but clearly there are some who don't understand the real focus. Personally, I'm much more curious about what reason I have to be there than anything. If you care that much, then there's some role waiting for me, isn't there? Before, I figured you just wanted me back there to be petty, but if there's a clear purpose, it might not be the worst thing."

6:53 PM

You know, it'd be a shame if I died before that came to pass. I wonder how willing I really am as it comes to that...

She just smiles. "Are you sure you want to stop it, though?"

"Hm? Did I ever say I was going to? This doesn't exactly sound like something I should 'try' to stop."

"What I’m trying to say is that this is in your best interest too!"

Did she know what I was thinking? Is that why she thought I was going to try and stop it even though I didn't say so? Many days ago, I had a thought along these lines, but... You know what, it doesn't matter. I could be so much more outwardly annoyed at all of this nonsense... I guess that's just not my style. This is just stupid. I should press harder. "Okay. I hardly see how being injected into a story that's not mine is good for me! Or for you, for that matter. But go on, I'm sure you have a great explanation."

"This story is the one that isn’t yours! Yours is back in Avengard."

"Neither story is mine, if you ask me! But that's besides the point. Let's play by your rules, since that's the case already. The only reason you think that is because you found me there initially. You know, I just heard that the Lauriers moved here from Avengard. Maybe you should've set her story back there as well." "But of course, that doesn't matter at all, does it? I'm sure you've heard me say 'this town and Avengard are connected', right? Forget the matter of which is mine and which isn't, they're both the same. Perhaps, in that sense, sending me wherever doesn't change anything."

"Nope. Wrong! This place isn’t the location of a story. If Ashley wants any hope of relevancy, she’ll have to come back to Avengard too. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it."

"Relevancy to who, exactly? You?" This stage is - or was - perfect as is, you know! But I suppose you couldn't be excited by the various dynamics at play here involving Ashley, Autumn, Thomas, Aura, and everyone else, could you? You seem to focus much more on events than the actual people involved. And either way, it's as I said, perhaps connections to Avengard are an inevitability." "...Now that I think about it, what are you doing? Avengard seems to matter to you much more, but isn't that ironic now? You disparage me for not wanting to be a 'protagonist' or whatever, when in reality, you're also watching a 'story' play out! What are you doing, hiding behind the guise of an animal, pushing others to play out the entire narrative for you? That hardly counts for much now, does it?"

"I can’t lead a story by myself, even if I wanted to. I can’t interact with the world beyond giving people abilities." Ehn.

"Sure, I'll believe that because you said so. Don't you answer to someone? What about them?"

"I dunno what you’re talking about."

"Sure. Anyway, I've proven my point. All that's left to do is see what happens. And think about it. Maybe you'll actually do something helpful if you put actual thought into it." He sits down on the bed and continues to wait as before.

That was good. I'm a little pleased. ...Will I still really going to end up going back? This sucks. Am I really just distracting myself? That's annoying. I wonder what I should think of all this. If I'm going to do anything, though, I have to wait until Autumn and Ashley show up, right? That's for the best. There's only so much I can think of right now. (edited)

((Not sure if you’ll have a session, depends on other progress but if you do it’ll be on Saturday))

((~~good~~ that's fine))

((You do have a session today yay))

12:56 PM

((Might start late though))

((I'm not in the best mood for this right now. definitely good to start late. I'll probably be ready by then))

((Good progress. Am I safe to assume there is no session tonight))

((There is a session))

8:41 PM

((Lynne just likes starting late ig))

Autumn walked into the room. "Hi." "That's my cue to leave, I guess!" Ehn runs off. (edited)

10:07 PM

Ashley and Aura approach the room.

"Yeah, yeah, have fun." Sam makes this remark towards Ehn as she runs off.

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / ashley-and-sam

"Hiya!" Aura.

Ashley is still blushing so hard she's mostly incapable of words. She lightly waves to Sam, visibly dazed.

"..." "Oh, hi!" Sam is slightly out of it, but responds to Autumn first since she walked in first.

Aura hugs Ashley, but specifically in an effort to keep her from suddenly falling over. "I didn’t really expect Aura to show up, but I guess she really loves making everything about her." Autumn.

"...I suppose there's nothing to be done about it. So, what were we here to discuss again? I sort of lost the plot."

"Not much. We’re just making sure you don’t get caught today, either. I have the whole day free to watch you." Autumn. "I dunno… Feels kindnya weird to give Sam so much focus after you just kissed Nyashley." Aura. "Aura, can you shut up? Those mock cat sounds are gibberish." Autumn.

Ashley makes a little "Uh!" sound but returns to silence pretty much immediately.

"...Okay. That's fine. We might as well try as always." Wait and see. That's what I said earlier. That's all that can be done. He responds to Aura this time. "It's true that this should take less precedence over whatever's going on with Ashley, but I still appreciate the help anyway."

10:24 PM

"I don't have much better to do than stay in this room. Is that the plan?"

"I guess so. Not much to do in a cramped room though." Autumn. "We could try some party games!" Aura still keeps the cutesy voice.

"Well, I suppose we could talk for now, then. It's the best thing to do." Sam does not entertain the idea of party games, not at this time. "What's been going on your end?" He addresses this question to none of the three in particular.

10:28 PM

Is it worth asking this if I think I'm going to have to leave this behind soon? Sooner or later, I'm not going to be able to follow along with this, and I don't even know what will happen. Isn't that just life? We move on from different things, and... Why can't I bother to explain what's going on this time? Is it because I don't expect anyone to believe me, or what else? Do I want to spend what might be my last day just trying to have fun? It's absurd. I don't know what I want to do. This shouldn't be happening. (edited)

"Well, I didn’t have time to help too many people this morning, but I still helped some of my neighbours while I could. That’s all." Autumn. "Wow… Sounds kind of biased." Aura. "I think you’re forgetting the passiveness in your passive-aggressiveness." Autumn.

Ashley squirms in discomfort as the two respond to him. Her eyes go back and forth between looking in Sam's direction and looking away immediately afterwards.

"That's good! I'm glad to see you're doing good things as always." He responds to Autumn. "...What's the deal with Ashley? She's been sort of silent. It's a bit concerning. Something happen with you or Aura?" I mean, regardless of what happens next, I should at least do something to ensure the best result here, right? If I've taken anything away from being here. And I said I'd do that anyway.

"…Hey… Do you… Do you think I'm… good for anything?" Ashley asks this in Sam's general direction.

"Of course you are!" Aura.

What question is this? Of course. If I'm going to make any changes, then it's important that she recognizes that she is important. Everyone here is important. That's what I'm going with. "...Yes. You're playing a very important role. And you're doing well otherwise. Unless I missed something earlier today, I don't see the problem." Sam responds.

"What does that mean?" Her tone suddenly becomes annoyed. "What 'important role' am I playing to anything? The other day, you said I was the only one who could figure out the 'truth', and now you're telling me I have some 'role' to play"— she makes air quotes as she says both of these words— "but what are you even talking about? What exactly do you want to use me for? Tell me." (edited)

Oh, right. I got so caught up in my discussion with Ehn that I forgot that these terms don't make sense intuitively... That was the only reason. Do I just explain? That's the best thing, right? I have nothing to lose. Maybe? ... "Well, first, about the second of those questions, I'm saying you're a valuable presence for the others here. Autumn and Aura both respect you, and you've done a lot in regards to Thomas' situation. About the third, I'm not using you for anything. I'm... I was..." He says this very casually as before. "...here to watch. Well then. About the first one, are you ready? You might not like this part." He gives this as a serious warning and presents a more serious expression than most of their past discussions.

"Spill it." Autumn.

"...Ashley?" He ignores Autumn and waits for a response. You, Autumn, really? You want to know this? Even though it only serves to benefit Ashley? You aren't the one doing any good by me explaining this. I suppose it's happened before, but... Okay, maybe I'm just losing track of everything now. (edited)

Autumn gets some indescribable but certainly upset expression about being ignored.

Why did that just feel so nice? What? She gives a faint yet bitter smile. "I can't imagine what else could hurt me right now. Sure." (edited)

"Alright! Then..." He makes a theatrical sigh. Then he begins. "Ehn, you see. She has this absurd impression of people as pieces of some grand narrative of hers that she refuses to partake in herself! It's ironic, really. But don't worry, that's the entire solution to the mystery. That's what I've been getting at Being given one of those objects? You're a 'protagonist', so it seems. Someone who can bring about change, apparently. You, Ashley. You were chosen for that role by Ehn, congratulations! Which you have been doing perfectly well. That's why I said you can figure out the truth. You're in a position that will eventually let you take down any problems in your way with enough effort. You can do it." He ends this section on a bit of a slight smile as well, trying to be genuine still. "...But there's a problem. Ehn only cares about Avengard. She's trying to send everyone who she thinks should be a protagonist back to Avengard for whatever nonsense politics are happening back there! I tried to leave, and guess what? She said I'm guaranteed to go back today! That's right, no matter what I do, no matter how I try to change the 'story', I'm going to end up back there! I'm going to be gone, thrown back into that miserable place!"

11:14 PM

"...Not that I believe her at all, obviously." He tries to relax a little, but it's very apparent that it's unclear. "But what if she turns out to be right? It's so silly, this forced 'plot point' of hers. ...And it's not just me. She's going to force you back to Avengard as well! It turns out this place doesn't matter, she couldn't give a damn about this 'other town'! She just wants you to run back to Avengard where you came from years ago, just because it's so important! I'm sure both of us will have so much fun with that. Who knows, maybe everyone else will be forced to come along with you as irrelevant secondary characters. But that's fine. It's irrelevant. You can do it. You're good for making a difference." "You get it now? The best way to fight back against Ehn is to stick to working out the matters here."

Autumn stops listening 5 seconds in and sighs about video games.

"Hey, I warned you that my explanation wouldn't make any sense. If you want the easy version, I trust Ashley to be able to help others too. There. That simple."

11:17 PM

"Oh, and I might be forced to return to Avengard today. I'm sure you care about that too! It matters so much!"

"Wow, that sounds pretty intense… But it’d probably be best to just… Let things sit. I mean, this girl of yours sounds pretty crazy. And I’m literally a girlcat, so that’s saying a lot!" Aura laughs at this very funny joke.

"...You're right, Aura. I should just sit in this room. Who cares, I'll wait for the result to show itself." He still relaxes after this despite the sarcastic comment.

As Ashley listens to Sam's explanation, her face changes between confused, intrigued, horrified, and then back to her original speechless state. This time, though, she looks a bit more contemplative. She tries to think of something to say, or more accurately, how to phrase it. "If someone tried to kill themself before they could be brought back to Avengard, would Ehn be able to stop them?"

"I don't know. Maybe? That was my other plan. I don't have any way to do that, though."

11:25 PM

"It's possible it'll just be stopped by some nonsense 'plot armor', of course."

11:25 PM

Sam does not address the idea that doing so would be at all an issue.

"Stop talking about this delusional nonsense! No one is going to be arrested, and no one is going to kill themselves! It’s a video game! A tiny insignificant meaningless distraction for people who can’t be bothered to focus their time on anything that really matters! I have everything under control, so just stop spouting nonsense!" Autumn.

"Truth hurts. Especially when it doesn't make sense. Just to be clear, I still do hope you win. I hope you can keep me here. Defy fate, and so on." He says this much to Autumn.

After a few seconds of complete silence, Ashley starts laughing. It's a low giggle at first, but it soon elevates to a higher volume, a higher intensity, in a way that's unmistakably desperate. As it continues, it becomes increasingly difficult to tell whether it's even laughter anymore, or if it's just outright sobbing. She buries her face in her hands as her shoulders continue shaking. "I can't… I can't… Ahahaha… ha… I can't take it… I… Aah, help me…"

"..." "Well, there's a lot you'll be able to do in the future. Maybe. Unless it's all been set in stone from the start, which is equally possible." Sam very clearly gives up trying to make a convincing argument.

"Ashley…?" Aura keeps hugging her. Autumn groans in disappointment. "Are you both really this terrified of fiction? I’ve seen young children be far more sensible."

"You're right, really. Young children are far more sensible. ...We'll see what happens next." He vaguely resumes to a neutral expression and tries giving something of a more normal response.

She looks at Sam through her fingers, her voice still unstable even after her laugh has died down. "Couldn't you just show her the jacket?"

Autumn backs away uncomfortably.

11:52 PM

"Let’s cheer up, guys! Come on, we’re besties right? We won’t let all that get us down!" Aura.

"I could try. Whether that will help is another matter entirely. That reminds me... Did you ever tell Autumn about it?"

"She asked me why you had it, but I didn't really get to explain what it was for. Just showing her would be easier, right?"

"That's the problem. I don't have it. I figured Autumn took it back from me and gave it to you, but I guess it's just lost currently."

"I suppose we’ll simply never know where it is." Autumn.

"Wh-?" She looks at Autumn. "What did you do with it?"

"What do you mean? Are you calling me a thief?" Autumn.

"Well, this is fun. That explains a lot." He shrugs. "Though, why keep it if you have it? I hardly see what you have to gain. Might as well get a bit of understanding while I'm still here."

"I am not a thief! I’m a good person!" Autumn.

"I'm not calling you anything, I just want to know where it is…!" A great attempt is being made to not start crying again. "Listen, Autumn, if you let me show you something about it, you'd understand what I'm talking about!"

"...You can be a thief and a good person, you know. You just have to steal from the wrong people."

12:06 AM

"Oh, and it should be noted that the reason I lost the jacket wasn't even because of Autumn. It was because I was knocked out by a piece of rubble from the ceiling which happened to coincidentally knocked me out. Wonder how that occurred." He is being very subtle.

"?????"

"I don’t have it. It’s that simple." Autumn crosses her arms in some effort to look visibly annoyed. "This atmosphere is really tense… We should all calm down by playing some games!" Aura. "Stop talking about little childrens' games! I am a grown adult, a full 16 years old! I don’t have time to play your silly distractions." Autumn.

"...Right after someone said the building might collapse. Wonder who that could've been."

"The building is not going to collapse, don’t be stupid." Autumn. The building suddenly shakes once.

"Look, I'm trying to ignore all these distractions. The jacket is more important. If I don't get it, then Ashley should. Whether Autumn has it or not."

She suddenly remembers something. "Wait, wait, don't I still have-…" Immediately, she starts rummaging through her backpack. If the fish Sam gave me back at school is still there, then maybe I don't need the jacket. Maybe I can convince Autumn without it!

She still has it.

Ashley takes the two fish halves out of her backpack, carefully and firmly holding them to make sure nobody else can take them. She looks in Sam's direction. "Sam, can you explain what this is? Not like it's from a video game. What's special about this completely normal looking fish you gave me?"

There’s a commotion outside, as this is happening.

"It's a fish. You eat fish, right? So you try eating the fish."

12:19 AM

I'm surprised she had it still... But depending on what's going on, who knows if we'll even get to the explanation.

"Oh my god." Autumn says this in utter exasperation.

"Oh, and then you try punching something or whatever because that's a proper reaction to eating bad fish. Anyway, fish is for eating."

"Can't you just…?! Ugh, whatever!" Ashley shoves the fish in her mouth in exasperation.

That sure is raw fish stored in unclean spaces and expired by a week.

"...Just so you know, it's unfortunately possible it doesn't work anymore. As I said earlier." Sam makes this remark a bit too late. "But it's still worth a try." (edited)

Ehn’s laughter is just barely audible.

She resists the urge to vomit with everything she has. Does she feel any stronger or anything? Any indication that anything is happening?

((Is she just like. Holding it in her mouth? Or chewing))

She is trying to chew it but doing it slowly because it's disgusting. She's done worse. At least she thinks so.

The fish seems to constantly regrow in her mouth. Ashley does feel stronger now though.

Sam says nothing. He also does not respond to the possible reaction from Ehn, simply opting to watch what happens next.

With the feeling flowing through her, she looks around the room. If I really do have super-strength now, I don't want to hit the walls or the floor and fuck something up. But there's nothing else in here to work with, is there? Nothing except… Ashley tries to stand up and pick Aura up from the floor with one hand. This isn't something she could do on her own, probably.

She easily succeeds at this. "Wow!" Aura. "Huh-!?" Autumn. As this bizarre sight unfolds, the Nielsens and the Petersons both storm into the room. All of them are wearing police uniforms, except for Thomas who’s just hanging his head.

"And there you have it!" He is laughing slightly. "The greatest display of-" He pauses immediately upon seeing the police there. "...Of course. Well, my job here is done!" He shrugs again. (edited)

12:47 AM

"I've proven my point. I've exposed the secret to people who shouldn't have known. I've won." He says this to no one in the room at all.

Immediately, she drops Aura to the ground and rushes at the cops, trying to shove them away from her friends in any direction, whether that's against the wall or the floor.

"There you are, Aura. Did you really think you could kidnap my daughter and get away with it?" Aura's mom. "H-Hi mom… Haha. Fancy running into you here." Aura. "And Sam Kidink too. Autumn, I’m so disappointed in you. Helping a kidnapping like this? Have you lost your mind?" Mrs Peterson. "I-I’m sorry! I didn’t- I can explain." Autumn tries to get in between Ashley and the cops. ((Roll with advantage(that means roll twice and take the highest roll)))

((who is rolling))

((Lynne))

"Of course she can explain. It's fine though. In some way, we've all been kidnapped by some greater sequence of events."

Ehn/PC

((18

))

Ashley runs past Autumn and directly at the cops. Aura’s mother responds by shooting her with a taser, knocking her down to the floor. She can’t move properly. "Ashley!" Autumn cries out in panic. "I’m surprised you’d fight this hard against everything. After all, it’s you that called them to this town in the first place… Isn’t it, Ashley?" Thomas replies shamefully. "What? N-No way! She wouldn’t!" Aura.

Thomas... I see. In the end, it was because Aura was here that he was forced to assist in a search unwillingly. And this was the result. "Ashley!" Sam demonstrates actual surprise at this sequence of events. "...I came here on my own. That's all that needs to be said. Well, I guess we know how everything played out." He responds to Thomas.

"I’ll handle this, Sam. Get behind me." Autumn whispers to him as she approaches the police.

"..." Sure, let's see where this goes. Sam gets behind as instructed.

"Mom. Dad. I can explain. He wasn-" Autumn can’t even finish that sentence before her father shoots her with a taser, and she crumples to the ground like like a puppet with its strings cut.

"...Figures." Just like that. I figured I would see how Autumn would try to defy everything. And instead, I just get this. A boring ending for all of us. Maybe it's my fault for getting involved at all. But I hope that in the future, the story here - the real valuable story - will continue well. "Well, tell me then. What have I done wrong?" He shrugs.

Mrs Peterson shoots Sam with a taser unprompted. "What? You guys got a turn." Sam loses consciousness. ((Channel split))

Lelouch Maoziwam started a thread. 9/11/2023 4:34 PM

Advehnt Guard

Other Town / sam-kidink

Sam wakes up in a police interrogation room, handcuffed to the table. Next to him, also handcuffed, is Aura. The chair is very uncomfortable. (edited)

...When I think about it, this is slightly ironic. I spent so long running from the mafia only to end up here. There's probably some connection here. Well, can I figure it out before the inevitable outcome? That's the real question. The best way to fight the story taking place is to figure out the causes behind its events. This goes without saying. ...I wonder what Aura did? Despite my perceptions, I doubt there's anything she's actually done wrong. She definitely went somewhere along with Ashley and Autumn, but I was unable to get that information prior, and I don't even know how useful that is. ...Actually, wait a second. If I'm being sent back to Avengard, why is she here at all? She's not part of that story - not yet, anyway - but it certainly seems a bit early if there was any cause or reason behind it. I only have so many ideas. "Hey. Nice game you've got set up here." He attempts to converse with Aura.

"Huh? Oh, uh… Good mornying! What game?" Aura.

"...Nothing." He sighs. "Hey, just as a hypothetical, if you were to be locked in some cell in the middle of nowhere but receive meals every so often, would that be better than your prior situation?"

"Huh? What- What kind of question is that?"

"A question I ask to people who I can't understand when I first meet them. Would you rather talk about something else?"

"Well…" She pauses to think about it. "I don’t… I don’t think it’d be better. Because I’d be alone."

"Oh, okay." Great, that makes sense. There really isn't anything I can gain from asking this. Now what? "Anyway, do you know why you're here?"

"Because… Mom and dad arrested us? They arrested Nyashley and Autumn too."

"Oh. I didn't know the others were as well. But what do you think you did wrong to get arrested?"

"I kind of… Ran away. And I stayed with Ashley."

"Hardly seems like a problem to me. You were still staying within the town, which is the best way to approach anything, really." If I'm leaving, I might as well try to ensure everyone else stays. That has yet to be decided, after all. "...What did she say she when saw you?"

"Nothing." She looks away.

"Strange. Aren't you two friends? I'm not entirely convinced silence is the best approach to anything. Maybe that was because of Autumn?"

She doesn’t answer.

That's probably a yes. "...Well, that's unfortunate. Did Thomas get arrested too?"

"No."

"Okay. Anyway, try to stay in this town, no matter what."

"Why?"

"...Simply put, it's the best way to fight against everything that's happening. I used to think otherwise, but things have changed."

"…Huh?"

"Honestly, there's not much else to say here."

"You’re pretty confusing…"

"Well, I get that a lot. But it doesn't really matter. I'm just doing what I can."

Aura's mother walks in. "Good afternoon, kids."

Oh. I wonder if Autumn's parents still think I'm an adult. "Afternoon."

Aura visibly gets anxious at this sight. "So, I’m going to need to ask you some questions. Answer them honestly, there’s nothing to fear." Aura’s mom.

You know, this is like when Naomi used to ask me for actual answers. "Sure." Actually, why are we in the same room? It's probably not worth asking, they probably just didn't care or something.

"Were you taken by force or intimidation?" Aura's mom.

"To the church room? Not as far as I remember. It's possible I forgot, of course."

"…Force." Aura. "Cooperating at last. I didn’t know you had it in you." Aura’s mom. "…" Aura looks at the floor.

This is interesting. That definitely wasn't the case, but she's definitely playing along with what she thinks might be the best answers. I wonder if I should follow? The best-case scenario is that everyone besides me gets to stay, so I should perhaps bother to back up what she says. While going against what she says could be helpful, isn't it better to ensure there are no problems in this town? The problems can and should stay in Avengard. "...Well, to be fair, I was knocked out at some point, so I might've been taken by force then."

"Who abducted you?" Aura’s mom. "…Autumn. Just her." Aura.

What? This might cause an issue. I suppose I can see what reason Aura might have to oppose Autumn, but considering Autumn's parents are also part of the police, wouldn't it make sense if Autumn got off free as well? I'm unclear as to how this story could at all have any impact. I should figure out what Aura's mom wants to hear, if anything. That should be important. "I don't remember, but... I also don't remember seeing Autumn. Do you know who was there?"

"We saw both Autumn and Ashley there. Stop lying." Aura’s mom.

"Well, that happened after-" This doesn't make sense. Presumably, Autumn's parents should be asking questions somewhere else, and I doubt they have any reason to cause problems for either of the two. Is it possible this is just what Aura's mom is saying? In that case, there will be an inevitable conflict regardless of what I say. I'm losing track of which events are guaranteed to happen and which might not be. This isn't easy to untangle. "...Sure. Autumn was there at some point."

"At some point?" Aura's mom.

"I don't have a watch or a phone. She was in the room at some point, but not the entire time."

"Who was there before?" Aura’s mom.

"..." Sam looks to Aura to see if she has anything to say. I don't know what they expect here. Ashley? First of all, I wouldn't say that, and second, I'm not sure Aura would either. I get bringing up Autumn, but...

Aura doesn’t answer.

"...Some adult in a suit."

"Oh? Could you describe them?" Aura's mom. (edited)

Uh, what? Are they actually going with this? What purpose would this serve to them? Who are they targeting? "As I said, they were in a suit. A black suit, I think? Looked suspicious, that's for sure." It's true that I was kidnapped by guys in suits, anyway. Though, I guess they weren't black...

"The lawyers? No, they didn’t kidnap you." Aura’s mom.

"What? No, not the lawyers." Of course. 'Lawyers', I'm sure. At most one person in that group is. I didn't know they were all thrown under that label.

"Oh." Aura’s mom.

"..." Does it actually matter what I say as it comes to this?

"Could you tell us everything that happened? The full story." Aura’s mom.

Now I just have no clue what I'm meant to say. Should I just keep a consistent telling of the facts? Even if I go along with Autumn being there, based on what I know, it won't be of consequence to her in the end, probably. "Sure. I was walking around as I tend to do. The suit guy soon approached me and asked if I knew Aura. I attempted to dodge the question, but he clearly didn't believe me, so I was knocked out. Afterwards, I woke up in the room, and the suit guy was there. He then left. Soon after, Autumn and Aura showed up. Then, a little while later, you showed up." He looks at Aura to see if she'll say anything about this.

Aura says nothing. "And why were you in this town in the first place? Who brought you here?" Aura's mom.

Oh, here we go. This is how I'll get sent back, isn't it? Well, it's fine. I've given the story I need to. I sort of got caught up in this whole questioning thing when in reality most of it didn't matter. I should've realized how irrelevant it all was. Well, no matter... For this part, perhaps I can just have fun. It's hardly relevant to the matters of this town, anyway. "...A guy in a brown suit told me to go here under threat of death. So now I'm here. He didn't take me here himself, but I had no choice but to walk here. Then, I stayed over at Autumn's house for the past few days, which takes us to this moment."

"Could you describe this man in the brown suit?"

Well, I would rather still respect Gordon's privacy, even if I'm describing him, since he's the reason I was able to come... But I have no idea how this could possibly matter to them. "He had a white shirt underneath the suit. He was calling himself 'Ryan', I think, but it's probably just an alias. He had a gun."

"If we could get a sketch artist to come, could you describe him?" Aura’s mom.

"Sure? It'd mostly be what I said, though, and it's been a few days, so there isn't much else I remember. I don't know how this is relevant to the current kidnapping."

((I'm so good at remembering other town))

9:23 PM

"Because I asked for it." Naomi Kidink walks into the interrogation room. "Hello, Sam. It's been a while." She smiles fondly.

...This will be fun. I'm glad we were able to reach this moment. Well, it's unsurprising that they were eventually working together. Of course, it goes without saying that my kidnapping isn't related, as much as everything else is. But if a connection will be forced, then so be it. I just have to sever myself from this town to ensure its success then get out of this story. It's quite simple. Even now, I can't give up. "Oh. Looks like the pieces are finally in play now." He attempts to shrug before remember that he's handcuffed. "Finally. Of course, if you heard what I just said, you'd know that I was forced to come here." "But no matter. Isn't this familiar to you? A dark room with a girl who's going to go right back to her normal life. Don't worry, I won't try anything this time."

"I would hope not. Trying to find you was a pain. Especially with Bob Smith’s interference." Naomi.

Bob Smith, huh? Guess he was an unlikely ally. To be fair, I sort of stopped attributing issues to him quite a bit ago, considering I know who the real problem is, but... Credit where it's due. Maybe I should find him at some point, in that case. "How surprising. What did he do? I don't remember seeing him here at all."

"He pretended to murder you. I didn’t find it very funny." Naomi. (edited)

And yet you assumed I was still alive somewhere... Well, whatever. He gets a few points for sure. Maybe I should've just let him revel in his insanity the whole time instead of attempting to confront him with questions. Not that it matters currently. I'll find a way to break this 'story' sooner or later. What he does is up to him. "Wouldn't be the first time. ...Anyway, so what? I answered the questions I could."

"You can unlock his handcuffs." Naomi. Aura's mom obliges, and undoes both their handcuffs. Aura stares in amazement.

"...Is there a problem?" He asks Aura.

"N-No I just…" Aura doesn’t finish. "Come on, Sam." Naomi.

"Where to? I'm not going to run, but you know what I said. If I go back there, chances are I'll be dead in a few days."

"Don’t go and underestimate your mother. Do you really think I’d just let you die? You’re far safer under my supervision." Naomi.

"...Are you sure about that? It would be far safer for me to keep in contact and stay here, as evidenced by the lack of anything occurring so far. This is your last chance to fight the greater events at play." Not that I'd expect much. It's possible that this course of action has already been decided, or this whole 'protagonist' and 'narrative' thing is getting to my head, or...

"Just come on, Sam. Are you seriously going to make your mother wait any longer?" Naomi.

"Hey, I made my argument. ...I said I wouldn't run, not that I'm moving." This is perfect. I just need to stall as long as possible. That's one way I can try to derail all of this, even if it is inevitable. This is the right course of actions. I'm sure.

Naomi snaps her fingers, and several of the men in suits enter and drag Sam to his feet.

"H-hey, slow down. I get the point, it's just- you're wasting your time. There's no point in doing this-" He sort of shakes his head and struggles a little. After failing, he ends up yelling to Aura in the end. "I said what I said! Aura, help me out- or, no, never mind, don't do that! Don't forget what I said, and tell the others, I meant all of it! That's all that can be done! My situation is irrelevant, just make them understand and do the right thing, and forget I was here, it's best for all of you! But if you really care, know that this isn't right, everything back in Avengard, all of that nonsense! And- let me go!"

"Sam, please stop fighting. I’m not a cruel person. I don’t want to hurt you. I’ve given you so many chances to grow up… To come into your own." Naomi sighs. "But it’s up to a mother to raise her child in the end. If you force me to, I suppose I will drag you home by force. Do you need that, or can you act your age?"

"I told you my argument! Go ahead and drag me by force. It's not about you, it's about causing problems for someone else. This is my own decision. Go ahead and make yours happen. I'll wait."

Naomi sighs, disappointed. "How did I raise a son like this? Come on, bring him." The lawyers drag him out. ((End session))

((No session))

((No session this week unless someone else makes more progress before then))

((I missed the thrill of not knowing who is holding me up. just kidding it's probably still cicada somehow))

((You will almost definitely have a session tomorrow))

((I might not be there. unlikely but possible))

((I’m so screwed if you don’t))

((~~I'm just hearing reasons not to show up~~ yeah alright I'll try harder to exist then))

The lawyers drag Sam out of the interrogation room, into a small lobby. Thomas is waiting inside. "I’m sorry things turned out like this." "Don’t be. It should’ve happened earlier, if anything." Naomi.

He takes a bit to compose himself again, but eventually responds to Thomas. "...It was bound to happen eventually. Just do whatever you have to on your end."

"I really did want to believe you… That it’d work out. But I guess it really is just stuck like this, isn’t it?" Thomas. "Yes, it is." Naomi. Autumn walked out of the other interrogation room, hanging her head.

"Well, look at it like this. Just because I'm trying to end my story doesn't mean the story you're part of has to be. There's not much more to it."

2:10 PM

He waits to see if Autumn will have any comments of her own. He does not add anything else yet.

Autumn looks at Sam quietly. "Umm, Mrs Kidink… Can we just have one last moment with your son?" Thomas. "Am I really supposed to owe that to him after he made us run all around the state looking for him?" Naomi.

"There's nothing more to say. If either you or Autumn have anything, I doubt it would affect the result."

"You don’t… Have to owe him anything to give him something." Thomas. "I don’t take lectures from children." Naomi scowls, but motions for the other lawyers to back away. "But fine. You have 5 minutes. Don’t make me regret it, Sam."

Sam sighs. "Well, what? This is largely pointless. Do you want me to give the same advice I gave to Aura? Which is to stay in your town to prevent people from being roped into Avengard, by the way, because going to Avengard is what the real cause of our problems wants. There. I've done what I could." "...Sorry if I wasn't good enough."

"No, it’s not you… It’s Ashley. She- She did this! She ruined this!" Autumn. Thomas hugs Sam.

I might as well let them have this moment, considering there's very little else I should be doing. ...Ashley was the reason? Well, I suppose that was just inevitable. It might be good, even. "...Well, let her do what she wants. Just make sure she stays in that town. I was never fit to be so important, anyway." He responds to Autumn and says nothing else.

"Let her- What are you talking about? She’s the problem! If she wasn’t here, you’d still be fine!" Autumn.

"...So? It's okay. Maybe I'd be fine for a little while longer, but chances are someone else would've got me caught eventually. Trust me when I say it's more important that she stays than I do. I'm sure it wasn't deliberate, anyway. She needs to be kept in this town more than I do. Considering that something you can help with, even if I have to go. Or should I try to convince you that I'm a bad person?"

"Alright, move off him." Autumn pulls Thomas away from Sam.

Sam does not do anything about this. "...Well?"

"Please come back… You can’t just leave us, okay?" Autumn.

"...Sure. We'll see what happens." Well, I certainly can try. Now that I think about it, just because I'm getting dragged back to Avengard doesn't necessarily stop the event of me leaving again. It could be a good try if other methods don't work.

"I’ll be waiting for you." Autumn suddenly closes her eyes leans in for a kiss, waiting for Sam to initiate it. It’s a profoundly uncomfortable sight.

Hm... When I think about it now, this is probably not the best course of action. It would be very bad if either of these two tried to come here on account of me getting dragged away, because that would likely rope this entire cast into Avengard. He turns away and walks a few steps, figuring this is a little too close for comfort regardless. "Remember what I said earlier? Stick to Ashley. I don't know what you're trying to do, but it's definitely not for the best. She's better. You asked me what I meant earlier. This is what I meant."

"Ugh, you… That was supposed to be a big moment!" Autumn. "Stop acting like a child." Thomas sighs. "Until next time, Sam. Whenever that is."

"...Sorry. I meant what I said. That's all." He says this, not really responding to either person.

"You’re the only friend I’ve ever had!" Autumn. "Alright, time’s up." Naomi.

"...You guys should really get along better, then, you know? Not just with Ashley, I mean in general. You're the ones that should be friends. I hate to say that because it might not be as interesting, but... It makes more sense than this nonsense. That would be good." "...Well, I'm done." He says this to Naomi. "Send me back."

"Stop pushing me away-!" Autumn is pushed away by the other lawyers. Naomi walks outside.

"..." There's nothing else I can do right now. It's weird. I thought this was over when I was dragged away at the interrogation, so I'm less inclined to struggle this time? It's less interesting to do the same thing twice, anyway. I'll figure out how to break the more important pattern soon. The faster I get the event of 'leaving to go back to Avengard' over with, the faster I open up more options for myself. He waves briefly, then follows Naomi.

Naomi enters her car, and waits for Sam to get in.

This is the same car, right? "You know you're giving me the opportunity to run again right now if I wanted to? I'm just kidding, of course. We haven't made it to Avengard yet." He gets in.

"I’m watching you, Sam. You can’t just act however you want with no thought for anyone else." Naomi starts driving.

"But that's more interesting. Of course, nobody has ever benefitted from me doing anything, and I've never thought about anyone else's concerns, as you just saw a few minutes ago."

"I didn’t need to see it. I’ve known for a long time what a profoundly lazy child you are."

"Well, I haven't taken any actions on my own, so I'm glad we agree there."

"I’m not. Is it really so hard for you to just grow up and be responsible? I’ve done everything in my power to raise you right and yet you keep doing this."

"Well, let's see... I've certainly taken responsibility of my own situation. I was unfortunately stopped by an entirely different factor." He does not address the first part. "I doubt any explanation I could give would make sense to you, though. Especially if it didn't for Autumn or Thomas. Unless you happen to have heard anything about it from Bob Smith."

"Anything that man says is either nonsense or a lie. Thankfully, he’s trapped safely in prison now."

"...Oh, okay." I wonder if I should visit sometime? Perhaps he'll be more coherent under those circumstances. They tend to look for people to talk to, I'm sure. "...Actually, wait, wasn't he in some sort of cell last I remember? I guess he was transferred to prison, then."

"I was in a cell with him, for a while. But I suppose you were too busy playing runaway to care, hm?"

"I did what I needed to. That's all." Well, at least that's a little information about the situation. I doubt there much for me to see, but it wouldn't hurt just in case it gives me another opening.

She finally smiles bittersweetly. "…I missed you, Sam."

"...Well, here we are now." I'm not going to bother pushing this.

"Why are you so cold? What do you want from me? Am I just supposed to stand to the side and let you do nothing with your life? Do you expect me to follow in your apathy? Do you think parenting is my favourite thing in the world? No! But it’s my job as your mother, and I do it. The least you could do is bother doing your job as my son."

"There isn't anything I 'want'. ...I'm here now. That's all I think I should do. But in terms of doing a job, being a lawyer really does suit you better, otherwise you would've done your other job earlier. It's more interesting that way, too."

"I’ve raised you for years, Sam. The fact you’ve pushed me to dragging you home doesn’t mean you haven’t been ignoring me for years already. You could do anything if you just put your mind to it… But instead you waste your life doing nothing! What will it take you to grow up and be responsible?"

"Well, in terms of doing something, I'm sure I'll figure out that at some point. You know, I was considering getting a job somewhere in the other town until I was forced to pay attention to other matters. Perhaps there's some world in which I could've been just fine after enough weeks. But I certainly don't think I can do anything, and I'm not sure if I'd want to."

"It’s not about what you want, Sam. It’s about what you have to do. Do you think everyone wants to work? That we all want to get up in the morning and do our jobs? You either work or you die out on the street. That’s life."

"I know. Don't get me wrong, I wish that could be the case. Maybe I could find a job at a fish store or whatever. But it's as I said. I was forced away from that. The sooner the greater factors at play come to a close, the better it will be for all of us."

Naomi sighs."That damn lunatic."

"Oh, that was just an example. There isn't one in the other town." Though, I can't say I'm not curious what he's been up to. If Ehn had anything to say about it, he's been caught up in some annoying problems as well. I doubt there's much I can do there, though. I wonder how much someone like him can break this 'story'?

"But he’s the one who dragged us into this. I hope he rots in that jail cell."

...Not much, apparently? I know he's fairly interesting, but that's surprising. In any case, I doubt he was trying to cause problems. "Okay."

"Oh, by the way. That friend of yours? The hacker?"

Ah, right! So much has been going on that I forgot she was around... I haven't been to her place for a few days. Did Ehn just figure she was irrelevant to my story? That's nonsense, maybe I really should try to get in contact with her if that will change anything at all. "What about her?"

"She’s also in prison with him."

"Isn't she not old enough to be in-" How old is she, actually? How much do I even know about her, actually? Whatever. I guess it makes my job easiest if I want to talk to either of them. "For the same reason?"

"She’s in her 20s, Sam." She sighs. "She was helping Bob Smith. So in that sense, yes. But on paper it’s a different charge."

"How strange. I didn't figure they were all that close. I suppose it's largely irrelevant, though."

She frowns like she’s uncomfortable. "It was… My mistake. I made her watch him."

"Oh. Well, that's unfortunate. Perhaps the blame should be attributed to Bob Smith, then." He shrugs. And what was the point of that? Because he lied about killing me? There were far better uses of time, really.

"Thankfully, my next bet is a much safer one."

"...Who?" Yourself? Me? Some entirely new person I've never heard of?

"You."

"Oh. Sure, that works." It would be quite beneficial for now, actually.

"That girl you were in the room with. Aurora?"

"Aura, Aurora, something like that, yeah. Didn't actually talk with her much. ...What does she have to do with this?"

"She gave me a deal, asking for me to let you go. She wasn’t a very good negotiator." Naomi lifts up a plastic container holding a single raw fish inside.

...Great. I wonder when Aura got her hands on this. It's annoying that it didn't stay with Ashley. Perhaps this was part of the plot as well. I suppose I'll hold onto it until I can get back into contact with them. ...Actually, didn't I cut it in half? Whatever. I don't care to figure out if it's the same or not. "Well, it's no surprise. She has no idea what's going on."

"Apparently this thing can make you strong, right?"

...Maybe it's not the same after all. I have to trust what I saw. "It's possible? That's what I heard. There are a bunch of fish in the whole world, though. Who knows if she picked the right one, or if this applies to all fish."

"I don’t find it very funny." She puts it back down.

Well, now I know that she'll never catch on to the supposed 'plot'. Probably a good thing. "Do you know anything else about her?"

"Not really. She’s beside the point."

"You're probably right."

"The point is… You owe me. Quite a lot, I might add. Without me you wouldn’t even be born."

"...I don't see how that's related to Aura. But I'll watch Bob Smith, as you said." I'd really like to blame her for that. Unfortunately, I doubt Ehn's 'narrative' began that long ago.

"I don’t want you to watch him. If anything, stay away from him. You’re going to use this fish to work for me."

"Do you really believe Aura? And you said Sarah was watching Bob Smith, so it goes without saying that I would do the same."

"The prison system can watch him. I doubt terrorism has a light sentence."

"...Sure. Anyway, as I said, I'm not inclined to believe Aura made any sense."

"Can it make you stronger or not? I don’t particularly care about what words she specifically used."

Well, since it's probably not the right one... "I doubt it. As in, no."

"…Really? That’s disappointing. She didn’t seem like a liar."

"Well, from what I heard during my time there, she's not the smartest or someone who often makes clearly true statements."

"I don’t trust an anti-social to make an accurate judgement of someone."

"...It's not my judgment. You should've asked Autumn."

"The girl who kissed you?"

"Tried to. For some reason. But that's irrelevant. You could ask any of the others there as well. Even one of the police."

"What I meant was that I doubt you’re much more charismatic around girls than you are when I’m around. So she seems like a rather poor judge of character."

"Hm, who knows?"

"You, I’d imagine."

"..." I don't.

"…"

"Now what?"

"Now we drive. Do you want me to magically make this go faster?"

"Up to you." He says nothing else unless prompted.

"…"

"..."

"…"

"..."

"…"

"..."

"…"

The car enters Avengard

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

Anomaly detected. Cosmically simultaneous important events occurred.

8:26 PM

Grace Wight is shot in the head by Carolyn Blythe and dies instantly.

8:28 PM

Grace's sister, Sophie Wight, awakens from her 5 day long coma.

8:29 PM

Sophie's closest friend, Sam Kidink, finally arrives back in Avengard.

8:29 PM

All 3 events occur on the same millisecond.

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

"..."

((This is the end of Sam 6. You’re now on Sam 9))

(("ok and?" Sam responds to the out-of-universe text.))

((End session btw))

((Saturday))

Naomi drives home.

...It's Tuesday. Maybe I should stop by school tomorrow. I essentially skipped the weekend, didn't I? I'm not sure what I would've done anyway, to be fair. Sam has no comments.

She parks in their driveway. "Get out. You’re going to talk to your father for once. He’s been worried sick."

Now that's an interesting surprise. I can welcome that. Even though it's more that we just happened not to see each other. ...Wasn't I meaning to ask him some questions at some point? I've unfortunately forgot what they were. I doubt it matters, anyway, especially if I'm explicitly trying to work around this city's events. ...Though, in that case, perhaps I should stall out the upcoming conversation as long as possible? I'm not sure. "Of course." He does get out. (edited)

Naomi walks into the house.

...I could go through the effort of figuring out who is important and for what, but I might just be doing what Ehn wants. I should find some balance, or lean more towards not doing that. He walks into the house.

Stan Kidink is inside. "…Hi. Hello there."

"Hey."

"…" Stan.

Okay, this is easy. It doesn't seem like there's anything for me to do here. In that case, the logical thing to do should be to keep going, right? "What day is it today?"

"Umm… I think it’s Tuesday?" Stan. "Seriously? You’re father and son meeting again after he disappeared… That’s all you react with?" Naomi. "Oh, uh… Yeah. Great to… Uhh… Great to see you, son." Stan says without any real emotion.

"So? I was gone for a few days. He's been gone for a few days in the past as well. It happens, that's the real takeaway of all this. Also, this conversation is very important." He responds to Naomi. "Anyway. You're right. It's probably Tuesday. I've thought quite recently that the calendar system is quite interesting. The way the days of the week are doesn't actually make much sense. Have you thought about why that might be? I don't actually know personally, but it's also very easy to forget the way the calendar works. Imagine being in one place and working in another place. You would be operating on an entirely different weekly schedule from everyone else. The weekends would be entirely different, and so on. There would be constant conflicts having to deal with schedules in a place which is a few days off from another one. But for some reason, this system is in place. Have you ever wondered why that's the case? I have as well." "Anyway, how has your day been?"

"Oh, uh… It’s alright. Just… Yeah, it’s been relaxed. As for the da-" Stan is interrupted by Naomi. "What are you doing!? Stop just moving on! This… This isn’t how a family is supposed to work. At least hug each other or something." Naomi.

"The moment's already passed, Naomi. If it was to occur, it would've by now." "Well, what are your thoughts on the day of the week?" He resumes the conversation where it left off.

"No, it hasn’t. You have to do this properly. What is wrong with you 2?" Naomi. "Right, uh…" Stan awkwardly tries to hug Sam.

He shrugs, and returns the 'hug'. This really is a waste of time. "Anyway, can we return to the previous conversation topic? I was interested in that."

"No, you can’t. Because it’s a meaningless discussion. You’re almost an adult, Sam. You should be able to do more than this kind of ridiculous small talk." Naomi. "…Right, sorry honey." Stan mumbles awkwardly.

"It's not at all ridiculous. It's a question that is of actual significance. Don't people tend to ask each other how their days were at work? The meaningless conversations, in that sense, are really the only important ones." In reality, I must consider the possibility that they're working together, or that there are 'narrative' circumstances deliberately working against me continuing this line of conversation, regardless of whether the topic is important or not. Well, it doesn't matter. I'll work around whoever I'm up against. "Also, I'll inevitably ask about this later regardless if I don't do it now."

"Good for you." Naomi says sarcastically. "But we have more to do before the end of the day. I’m not going to let us get slowed down by this."

"Of course. Getting slowed down by his thoughts on a single question. We're wasting so much time here. Are you sure you actually care about getting slowed down?"

"What are you implying? That I owe you this conversation after you ran away and wasted days of my life?" Naomi.

"Not at all. I was implying something else entirely. Also, the decision to waste days of your life was your own. Regardless, I've probably spent enough time here and it's clear that I'm not going to be allowed to do this. It probably doesn't matter anyway and Stan's probably falling asleep or something out of boredom, so let's go. This was very important." He exits out the door.

Naomi leaves and gets back in the car.

There are two possibilities in regards to the earlier conversation: One, I somehow asked something very important, so maybe I should go around asking people about the days of the week. Two, it's completely useless. If in Ehn's plan, Stan is unimportant somehow, then maybe it was not worth getting a response out of him at all. Isn't that how most things go? What's extremely important in many cases tends to be something that appears irrelevant. Sorting that out is the most difficult part, but it's also what makes things interesting. He gets in the car.

Naomi drives to Shelk prison. "I’ll be nice and let you visit that friend of yours for once."

What makes this mandatory? There has to be some greater purpose behind it. I have to be careful, even if I can get information out of this. "Thanks, then."

They arrive at the prison. Naomi heads inside.

What should I be asking? Probably anything about the situation that can help, assuming I can find Bob or Hav among the many people there. I probably owe it to them to explain anything about the situation. It's possible that, just like before, telling whoever is there anything will lead to Naomi not understanding anything I'm saying. In that case, it should be completely safe to explain the 'story'. As for my end, I might as well determine what has occurred by asking Sarah... He goes in.

Sam is brought to the interrogation room. Sarah Stanley is across from him. "…Sam?" Naomi stays outside.

...Ehn never brought up Sarah, so explaining 'story' details is unlikely to mean anything. "Yes. I'm here, unfortunately. It's been some time. ...What happened?"

"Weren’t you missing? What happened?"

"...It's not particularly interesting. I tried to escape the city because it sucked. Apparently my death was supposed to be faked or something, but it didn't work out. I eventually got dragged back here because of the obvious person. So I've missed the past three or four days, and I'm not particularly looking to get up to speed unless you think there's something important to me."

"Probably not. But… I doubt that description could qualify as uninteresting to anyone."

"...Why? The result that was likely to happen eventually happened. I ended up back here eventually. Actually escaping would probably require much more effort than what I put in. Sure, I met people, but most people don't want to hear about that. Here, all I'm aware of is that a bunch of people I knew ended up in prison, including Bob Smith and Mr. Kerloe."

"No, it’s just me and Bob. Hav Kerloe isn’t in prison."

"Oh, okay. That's convenient." Maybe Naomi just said that to make me drop the topic. "...In any case, there isn't much more to say on my end. How did you end up here?"

"I was accused of killing Jackson Day. But I didn’t, we just hid his body."

"That's... something." I forgot Jackson Day was at all important. But I figure that he played some important role to Bob, at least. And he's dead now? How strange. From what I remember last, he was still stuck trying to do his job or whatever, which led to Sophie getting severely injured... "...But why do that? I imagine that would just make accusing you of killing Jackson easier, even though it didn't happen. I suppose it's not very relevant, though. ...How have you been otherwise?"

"…Bad. I’m stuck playing babysitter to a crazy YouTuber and your bitch mom hates me."

"The second part checks out, can't expect much from her. In regards to the first, I'm thinking I might be able to get through to Bob Smith, though I have no clue how I'd get to talk to him while Naomi is around."

"I can pass on a message if you want."

"I doubt I can accomplish much that way, but sure. Tell him not to trust any talking animals, and to fight against the 'narrative'. He should understand what both of those mean, even if they sound like nonsense."

"…Yeah, I think I’ll pass on that. He’s been dealing with these lunatics calling themselves TAP, the last thing he needs is more nonsense to follow."

"Yeah, that's about what I figured." Of course it would be impossible for this to work. "Whatever 'TAP' is sounds even worse to me. ...Instead, you can tell him he should stop wearing that suit of his if he gets out. How about that?"

"Your mom already has the suit anyway."

"Well, he might try to steal it back. He shouldn't."

"I’ll tell him, then. Sure."

"Thanks. Hope you get out soon."

"Yeah, tell your mother to. If I hear the word Ideology one more time I might actually kill someone."

"Why would- oh, never mind, I think I get it. Sure." Probably Bob Smith's newest twist on his thought process. But he still helped me in the end... I doubt I'll ever understand.

"Do you mind… Giving me advice, actually?"

"...What for?"

"…Have I ever told you about my family?"

"No, not much."

"My dad owned this massive burger chain… Before your time. So we got rich off that, and life should’ve been good. But he’s like… Crazy. And my mom never loved him, so everything there was hell. My brother and I got out of there as fast as we could, but… Well, I don’t exactly have the most optimistic view of family."

"You have a brother? ...In any case, I can't say I'm too optimistic either."

"2 of them. And a sister. I think she goes to your school. But, anyway… My brother told me that people are essentially composed of the people around them. We naturally take from everyone else and that… Essentially… Defines who we are."

Well, I have no idea if I'm going to end up back at school or not. Maybe it doesn't matter. "Interesting."

"I was wondering… If you knew how to avoid that? To just… Live as yourself."

"...There's little I can say on the 'living' side of things. As far as being yourself, though, I like to think there are actions we can take in spite of whatever others are telling you to do. Usually, you take after people by following in the plans they've set out for you without thinking about any of it. So it's good to consider what you're actually doing, and if there are other options." "It's just speculation, of course. I don't know if anything I'm doing will work in the end. But I at least don't think I'm just taking after people."

"Whatever you took from your mother, it definitely wasn't much."

"Well, that's good to know. I've started to think I don't know her at all. Maybe for the better. Do you think you ever really knew your parents?"

"Yeah. I got the full picture. They're the absolute worst... The kind of people I never want to be like."

"Good, then. I don't think you're crazy, that's for sure."

"But if I let anyone in... It's going to happen, isn't it?"

"Maybe? I won't claim to be someone who opens up to others. As long as you don't become the owner of a restaurant chain, it should be fine."

"It's not... Just my dad I'm worried about."

"Who else, then? I doubt you're suddenly going to become the Sentasaurus one day, for example. ...I don't have anything against him currently, but I haven't been around him for a while. Still, it doesn't sound to me like he could say anything that would cause a change."

"That... Is actually what I'm worried about."

"...Then, as it comes to him specifically, I doubt there's much to worry about. I don't know what to think of him anymore. I thought about it before. I've been frustrated by him for a while, but... He did try to help me in the end, tried to keep me away from Naomi, whether it actually benefitted me or not. I doubt it's worth figuring out how he operates, but I don't think his intentions are bad. Just let him be, and figure out what you can do on your own. I doubt he has a plan that involves forcing you down a certain path, if nothing else."

"…But for some reason, I can’t help but care about him.”

"Why?"

"I wish I knew." She pauses. "…He kind of reminds me of home, somehow."

"Because of your father? Perhaps most adults in this area suck. ...If you're going to be stuck in jail for not much longer, then chances are you both escape and you can ignore him afterwards. If you're going to be there for a while, then the best you can do is attempt to figure out how he operates. Seems like better perspective than just giving in, at least."

"So… You think I should still stay away?"

"Well, I don't think there's any need to open up to him, but if you have little else to do, try to figure out what he's doing. But that doesn't require being very close. That said, it should be your decision in the end, not mine."

"…Right, yeah. I know." She pauses. "We’re not friends, either. I’m just coming to you for advice."

((Saturday))

"…Right, yeah. I know." She pauses. "We’re not friends, either. I’m just coming to you for advice."

"...Fair enough. All the same, I'm just here to provide advice."

"Exactly." She sighs.

"That's all, then."

"…I guess so."

Actually, if Bob Smith is a 'protagonist', does that mean it's possible Sarah is bound to eventually care about him regardless of this conversation, and for that to have real consequences at some point assuming things go according to Ehn's plan? How strange, but I suppose there isn't any good thinking about it... However much I can do is entirely up for debate. "Well, good luck. Try not to get too attached." He then leaves.

Naomi is waiting outside. "Do you understand now? What happens if you try to go against me again?"

"What?" Sam is genuinely confused by this question. I sure learned things?

"In prison. I can send you to prison." She says, annoyed. "Is your brain dysfunctional or something? Autism or whatever it’s called."

"I don't know. Maybe? And I've effectively been in jail already. It might do me some good to go back." Being stuck in a place might help disrupt Ehn's plans and so on until some inevitable nonsense occurs to save Bob Smith. At the same time, I highly doubt Naomi would actually put me in prison, unfortunately.

Naomi takes out a strange device that looks like a watch and forces it onto Sam’s arm.

Hm. This probably isn't an object, at least not an important one. But if I'm really going to jail now, this could still help. Thanks? "..."

"It’s a GPS that tells me where you are at all times. And no, you can’t take it off."

"So? I doubt it'll serve much use to you now. As I said, I'm just going to be around in this town." What's the worst that could happen? As long as she isn't working with Ehn or whatever, the chances that this actually forces any consequences in the future is low. Perhaps I'd be worried if I didn't know what was really going on.

"I’m going home now. You’re free to come with me again, or you can waste your time like you always do on your own."

"...That depends. What are you planning to do at home?"

"Work. I’ve wasted enough time on you now."

"Have fun, then." Overall, she doesn't actually cause any lasting complications, at least on a relative scale.

She leaves.

What now? I did want to visit more people in the prison if possible before going to the fish store and so on, but I don't know how possible the former is. And it would be a waste to go somewhere else before returning here. Another possibility that could help is talking to people who probably don't 'matter'. I doubt most of the prison people here are acquainted with Bob Smith or whoever. But I like talking to random people anyway. It can't hurt. Sam immediately looks for someone around in the prison who seems like they might know something. "Is it possible to visit people here?"

"Depends on who." A guard answers.

"I see. Is there someone here named 'Bob Smith'?"

"Yes, there is. But you can’t visit him. He’s on suicide watch."

"Strange." I suppose for Sarah, dealing with that situation would only be worse considering that. No matter, I wasn't expecting to be allowed anyway. "I see. I assume there is no 'Hav Kerloe' here?"

"None."

"Cool." Sarah was right, of course. You know, this conversation isn't so bad. He's giving responses, at least. "Do you know anything about the woman who was here earlier?"

"Which one?"

"...Naomi."

"Mrs. Kidink?"

"Yes."

"She's a lawyer."

"Okay. What about Sarah Stanley?"

"She's an inmate."

"Before that?"

"No clue."

"Thanks. Sorry if I interrupted your daily job, but it was important." Well, at least I know the exact details around here now. Better than nothing.

The guard walks away.

He leaves after that and heads to the fish store. He doesn't think about much of importance along the way, considering it not very helpful under the circumstances.

In the place of what was once a fish store is the destroyed remains of a building. The front is covered in crime scene tape.

...Now, this is interesting. I wonder if the fish store getting destroyed was a purposeful action. I suppose this wasn't meant to last if Hav Kerloe too plays an important role. Unfortunately, it seems I was too late to do anything about it. Still, I might as well ask around if this is going to be the case. It's the best thing I can do. ...Wait, no, I know something about this. A few days ago, around the weekend in Avengard, someone entered. That person was carrying an object, so is likely notable as well. Then, this place was supposedly meant to be closed down for 'safety practices', but the reality is more likely that some explosion occurred. But it should be noted that the objects should be avoided as much as possible. What actually happened? That would be good to know while I'm here. In any case, 'escaping' is hardly a physical matter at this point. Sam looks to find someone who is at the crime scene.

No one is around.

Unfortunately, there aren't people here. At the same time, I figure that means I might as well try walking in and figuring out what's happened myself, even if that's more annoying. Sam attempts to enter the crime scene and look for anything of note.

((Roll))

((9))

Sam doesn’t find anything in the wreckage.

Well, the building was almost certainly completely destroyed. But there used to be fish here. I wonder where they went? I doubt any useful evidence could've been meant to be there. Why is this a crime scene, anyway? Just because of whatever explosion must've occurred? There should be much more here than there is, still. Sam specifically checks for the existence of fish at the fish store.

((Roll))

((1!))

Sam spends so much attention on not finding fish that he accidentally walks headfirst into a wall.

He sighs after this occurs. There are still walls here, apparently. And I guess they were probably taken away as evidence, in that case. Or, perhaps Mr. Kerloe went and took them back to his house, or whatever was remaining. I wonder what he's up to now? Unfortunately, I doubt I will get his address from the area, let alone anywhere he might be working. This is very strange, still. There must be some sort of 'narrative' planned for him, so what's this? I've seen almost nothing so far. This city is way too large. Without prior knowledge, this totally would've been fine. Sam checks again anyway to see if he missed contact information left lying around.

"Wow, this is really embarrassing to watch." Ehn appears.

Nothing. At least someone's here now. "What can I say? Evidence is important. Having nobody around gives me free reign to do whatever I want."

"Didn’t you hear? The police already decided Bee did this."

"Well, it's a meaningless name to me. What sort of name is that, anyway? It's worse than yours. I figured I'd see for myself." (edited)

"Bee. Y’know, the first letter of Bob. I obviously can’t use the first letter of Nathan."

...So your first letter is N? I should hope it's someone I don't know. "Sure. In either case, that leads to obvious doubt regarding this outcome."

"You really think you can stumble back in this late and just solve everyone else's plots?"

"Not at all. My goal is entirely different."

"Oh yeah? And what is it, then?"

"Why should I tell you? If you already know, there's no point, and if you don't know, I have no reason to."

"Sheesh... What'd I do to piss you off so bad...?"

"Who knows? Our past few conversations have been great."

"I’ve done nothing but help you out on your path to being a protagonist! Really, if you want to blame anyone for 'bad writing' or whatever you’re on, blame yourself."

"It appears we have entirely different thoughts on 'stories', then. Taking a step back from my own actions, it's clear what stories I'd look for. I'd say some of it was quite good, actually."

"Uh-huh? And what stories are those?"

"Well, none of this political or crime nonsense, for one. It's all messy and not anything people should care about, and I don't get why Naomi cares so much about the mafia. Aside from that, the best you can do is let things play out how they would normally, and determine what outcomes they go for from there. Most interference really serves to nothing but trouble, really." "Take Jackson Day. I heard he died while I was gone. He held some people at gunpoint, but never actually went through with it. Good on him. Unfortunately, someone tried to send interference his way, and look what happened. He eventually got roped into events he never should've had a stake in, and then he died for it instead of continuing whatever entertaining life as a popular content creator he had previously. What a waste, really."

"No, Jackson Day's arc was pretty natural. He was an awful guy, so he deserved an awful fate."

"Was he? He was simply stuck answering to some higher-ups who most likely did nothing for anyone. I bet he was used just like many others were, whether by you for any 'protagonists', or by whoever his actual superiors were. You can find many people like that. Gordon, too. Wonder what's going to happen to him now that I'm here again."

"Oh… He’s gotten himself into a much worse situation than just disobeying 1 order. It’ll work out though, I’m sure."

"Of course. He'll probably end up dead for reasons he never deserved, just like Jackson Day."

"Everyone dies eventually, y’know?"

"Well, there's a world of difference between dying in two days and dying in twenty years. There's much more time to get to know what you want in the latter case. Though, really, I find death quite boring, unfortunately. Which seems to a common occurrence here. What are you looking for in this 'narrative' of yours? All I see here is a mess."

"Fun! I’m like you, in a sense. I’m a spectator. And I get bored when there’s nothing to watch."

"Maybe. I get the feeling you want to watch, too. Still, my definition of my fun must be quite different. After all, I can't possibly see how this is enjoyable. Do you like hearing about gang wars and the like, or what?"

"Not particularly."

He facepalms, which is the first gesture he has made this entire conversation. "What? Then why focus on it? You're only hurting yourself this way. ...Which for the record, I'd be okay with if it wasn't hurting me as well."

"Well… Because I’m mad, obviously."

"Why? You could've just let them do whatever they wanted and went and tried to live your own life, unless you're personally after anyone specific. There's a lot to see elsewhere in the city. And a lot to see outside Avengard, too."

She just rolls over without answering.

"...Well, am I wrong? This isn't even about me or whatever nonsensical involvement I was supposed to have, or meant as some sort of comeback. It's actual advice. And if you're out for someone in particular, then that's your story, not mine."

She keeps rolling around.

"You have these inexplicable abilities that hardly feel real. You could easily make something out of that without any of this." He sighs. "...Well, I have nothing else to say to you. I'll probably just sit here for now. Hopefully no extra explosives were left here." He does just sit down wherever.

"For now? How long is that?"

"I don't know. Could be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. I haven't decided where I should go next, considering Mr. Kerloe isn't here. Maybe I'll find some random building and try to converse with whoever's there, like how things used to be. Until I get stopped by Naomi, you, or anyone else, really."

"Ugh, you’re boring." Ehn leaves.

"Thanks." He does indeed sit there. Actually, he gets up and decides to check the area again just because it's been a bit and he totally expects the result to change.

((Roll))

((6))

Nothing.

... He sits there a bit longer. Bob and Sarah are accounted for. Hav is probably somewhere I have no clue about. Even Shawn and Ray would be at school, and if not, nowhere important. Not like I have much interest in going back there regardless. This is a waste. I should go find someone. If I can't figure out any ways to solve my problems, it would help to kill time in an actually enjoyable way. My part in the better story ended earlier today, anyway. Why bother with the 'story' here? He gets up and finds some random building and tries to enter it.

As Sam is walking around, he hears a familiar voice yelling "Sam!?"

...There are a few people this could be, right? Sam tries to figure out who this could be but does not turn or anything similar.

It’s Sophie.

What? There isn't any point concerning myself with this. Even if not, what would I do? If I'm going to cut my part in Ehn's 'story' off here, then let her live her live and work with other people or whoever. Right. That was the same day I met Bob Smith for the first time. Ehn was pulling the strings at that point. I can't let this matter. I'm definitely hearing things. She probably died after I left. He stops briefly because people are supposed to do that after they hear their names call that. But he figures he should just keep walking after that. He does that.

"Asshole." Sophie says this and this ends their communication.

6:50 PM

((End session))

((Saturday))

Sam is still walking.

I'm seriously hearing things. Or Ehn is playing more tricks... Do I follow along? Or... "...I don't know what you're doing. I'm sorry." He says this to no one. There's nothing. He nevertheless stops after turning some corner and waits to see if anything will happen.

Nothing.

((Saturday))

Nothing.

He sighs, then returns to his previous train of thought. He finds some random building and tries to enter it.

It’s a normal subway restaurant.

He goes up to the counter after waiting for whoever is in line previously. "Do you mind if I ask some questions to someone around here?" I don't expect to order from anywhere in these circumstances. (edited)

"…Yes."

"Okay. First, what's your name?"

They say their name.

"Cool. What are your thoughts on Avengard as a whole?"

"…Is this a joke?"

"No."

((his canonical name is bart andy. thank me later)) (edited)

((It is not.))

2:44 PM

"Why are you here then?"

"Well, there isn't much else I feel like doing, and talking to new people appeals to me. You could consider it an interview of sorts, though I'm open to talking about myself as well. I would ask the same thing, though. Why are you here?"

"Because I’m supposed to be."

"That's true, but why this city in particular?"

"Because." They shrug.

"Have you met anyone outside this city?"

"There is no one outside the city."

"What? I've definitely met people outside the city." Finally, an interesting comment. I can't possibly see how this makes sense, but it would be strange if the words of someone who has never been part of my 'story' were false.

They shrug and continue staring at the air.

"What makes you think there is no one outside the city? Is there something different about anyone who might be there?"

"People like you, obviously."

"I don't think so. There are all sorts of people here and elsewhere."

"Maybe from your perspective."

"Don't you tend to see different people come by, though? Being at a restaurant and all."

"Do I really have to go through everything again with you? Is that my cosmic joke?" (edited)

"...I don't know? I don't like assigning people into different roles. I'm not sure why you think this is happening 'again', but I would prefer for you to be your own person. Same goes for everyone else. If you have things to do outside of this discussion, then that's fine."

"You’re so full of yourself…"

"Should I not be? I'm just trying to do whatever, and if you aren't giving many answers, then I'll talk. You didn't have to initiate this conversation, so choosing to do so indicates some purpose to it." "...It's like the conversation I had last before coming here. Though, I don't know what talking to talking animals says about me, but that's besides the point. Isn't it an interesting hypothetical? A so-called talking animal who is probably a person, but her opinions are the same as some Subway worker I happen to find at random. In that sense, people here maybe do have all the same opinions, but with different experiences, it's impossible that two people would truly have the exact same set of opinions. Unless I'm just talking to her again, but that would be dumb. Anyway, my point is that different opinions exist, as much as I'm not a fan of many parts of this city."

"I don’t need to be lectured on the concept of opinions. Are you just here to mock me? Is this some kind of cosmic joke for trying to break free? Have I really been trapped with the most comically narcissist child ever?"

"...Sorry. I've spent a while trying to break free of my circumstances as well. I'm just in a situation where it didn't work and I haven't yet determined how to proceed."

"Why… would you ever want to break free? You’re exceedingly lucky."

"Definitely not. You're far luckier than I am. You get to have a normal job and just keep doing that and maybe meet people from time to time. I'm stuck getting thrown around everywhere between a few people when I'd much rather see people come and go. Why would you want to break free?"

"Because I don’t exist! None of this exists! Nothing is real!" He is very clearly deranged.

"That's a nice thought. I would argue there's a lot that isn't real around here, so you're probably on to something. I've seen for myself a fair amount of scripted events centered around this city. Maybe we exist, but it's not a very fulfilling existence." Sam gets the correct takeaway.

"That’s your fault. You exist. You’re the reason I exist right now."

A thought-provoking question. If I never went to talk to this person and he was never part of my story, would he be relevant to anyone else in Ehn's eyes? Well, I think it just means he has his own matters to attend to, which is good. "And I get to blame someone else for my existence as well."

"You exist full time! You're not... You're not cursed to be a background character!"

"...You wouldn't want to be relevant all the time. It just makes you a target. I don't think you're a background character. You have your own life outside of this." Don't you do things outside of this? Never mind. I doubt I'll get any answers from someone who things a person they just met is meaningful in any capacity. Maybe he really is just being controlled by Ehn considering the nonsense he's spouted. But maybe I could get some better insight on his perspective... "Who would you consider a 'main character' anyway?"

"That's not my choice. I just... Feel it. Suddenly I exist again when a main character like you shows up. When you're not here, I vanish."

How strange. The idea that much of this isn't real, and some people are just coming into existence when Ehn's 'protagonists' are running around talking to people... That's a frightening prospect. I don't think it makes sense, considering I've seen people outside this city just fine. But is her control over this city more than I thought? Is it somehow possible many of the people I've met now, or even in the past, are being controlled in some manner? ...My best approach is still to trust what I see is real. "...You said 'like me'. Are there others?"

"A ton. I even tried to kill one once to prove a point but the universe just... Moved on. It forgot."

"Someone failed to be killed for unknown reasons..." This does align with my experiences. How strange. It's even more bizarre that a random Subway worker is awar eof this fact. I hope someone isn't pulling the strings on this interaction, too. If so, I should get whatever info might help and leave. The more I know about others involved in this, the easier it should be to arrive at a solution. "What was that person's name? Do you know the names of anyone else involved?"

"No. I refuse."

"Why? I could try to deal with them, if what you're saying is true."

They don't respond.

"If you were being threatened, for example, then by your logic, it won't matter after I leave this place."

"There's no point."

"Look, the event in which I actually get useful information besides 'there is nothing that can be done' is surprisingly rare. I'm willing to attempt to make a change in your situation and it might help mine as well if I get to talk to more people I don't know. Or we can keep talking in this Subway restaurant."

"..."

Is it possible that nothing I say will affect this result? Asking about this is perhaps stepping out of bounds. But I find it quite interesting as a result of that. If I just stay here, I wonder when something absurd will happen to stop me from getting an answer? Will Naomi show up inexplicably? Will Bob Smith break out of prison and crash into this Subway? It's definitely the right move. "..." He waits.

"Is this a fucking joke to you, man?"

"It is. But I'm not the one who invented this farce. That's someone else's doing. ...I fully intend to wait here until I get an answer or until something absurd happens to prevent that."

They just sigh.

"What do you suppose might happen if I were to talk to any of the random customers around here? They should have their own stories to work with, and they should know even less."

"I'm not going to try it, of course. I can't risk the possibility that such a person really does know nothing. I'll keep waiting here. It's the best thing I can do." He sighs.

"…Thanks."

"Not a problem." Even aside from getting an answer, this is the best course of action. Letting this conversation with someone who might be considered 'irrelevant' go as long as possible is the best thing I can do.

"…"

"..."

"…"

"..."

"What’s your name?"

"Alex." So much for that talk about characters and all that. If I'm so important, then shouldn't he already know my real name? I suppose I can play along, though. It doesn't matter.

"No last name?"

((Alex Banzai.))

"People usually introduce themselves with first names only, right? I forgot your last name, even though you introduced yourself earlier. I can be Alex Zeety, if you want. Makes about as much sense as any other last name." (edited)

"Everyone forgets. My name doesn’t even really exist."

"Sounds like a good thing. Makes it easier to live if people can move on and forget other people's names."

"It doesn’t. There’s nothing I’d want more in the world than to make a meaningful impact. To become real."

"Well, the way I see it, most jobs are impactful. You did a service to the many people who come by this restaurant. And if not that, then there are jobs out there besides working at a Subway. I can't find a good reason to care about a specific group of people and what they do. It's not like you were the one who chose your supposed list of 'main characters'. I'm only trying to find out because I've practically been forced to deal with them. But who says you have to?"

"I don't exist when they're not around. Don't you get that?"

"...That's stupid. It's impossible that you literally disappear from existence entirely when some people leave. Didn't you have a childhood? Friends you made in the past? Coworkers at your current job? Any memories from your past many years?"

"Vaguely. But I know they're not real."

"...Did somebody tell you they're not real? I find it hard to believe then that you would believe this without anyone making this ridiculous claim to you."

"It's just true! I know it didn't happen!"

"That's hardly logical. Even if we go with your theory, it just means that everyone else, including 'main characters', have had their past memories faked as well. Because everyone here should've been around for as long as they have." (edited)

"None of them are real! What can't you understand?"

"That's not what I'm saying! Anyone who's 'real' has had past memories as well. Are those not real either under your theory?"

"Exactly!"

"Then where's the starting point? What was the beginning of this 'story'?"

"I… How should I know?"

"Exactly. This theory doesn't make sense. If everyone suddenly came into existence a few days or week ago, then how did that occur in any sensible way?"

"I… I don’t like this conversation anymore. I won’t let you convince me."

...The problem is if he's right. It's worth considering, just like all other possibilities. But what does that tell me? Ehn only showed up a few days ago, and she has some goal she's trying to prove because she saw 'something' in this city. So it's impossible that all of this started when she showed up, because then there would be no past history to Avengard to see in the first place. Maybe a few days before that? While I respect the idea of learning about people here, what would you be able to understand about the vast number of people in this city in a few days? Probably nothing. Still, maybe Ehn is the type to come to conclusions in a few days... And that's nothing to say about what I remember doing, or Mr. Kerloe, or the Bob Smith... Even Ashley, who's not even in this city. Was that 'other town' just somehow in the same domain as Avengard? But the days of the week are entirely off there. Maybe Ehn took over this city, then took over that town days later, which forced some sort of schedule change? I certainly forgot about how the calendar worked more than once while I was there... It's certain that events started later over there than they did here. It's definitely possible, then. But how do I get out? How does anyone get out? How do people like this guy get saved? If I go somewhere else, that will just help expand the scope of whatever project or purpose all of this is going towards. I haven't learned anything useful, even despite considering this. It just means others are being roped into Avengard, as I knew before, and I have to find some way to defy a narrative operating across this entire city and even more. And whether I trust my memories or not, the solution is still missing. So, for now... "Okay. We'll go back to waiting until you tell me the names of anyone involved, or doing nothing otherwise. It's probably for the best."

"…I want to go back to nothingness." He walks out of the store.

He sighs. What did that mean? I went to a supposedly random person, and all of that happened. Perhaps I should ask someone else around here. Though, first... He exits the store. If he doesn't see the person he was talking to again, he goes back in.

He’s still walking away from Sam.

Well, on the plus side, he didn't just disappear from existence the moment he left the store. Though, is it possible he would've if I waited long enough? Or maybe someone else 'important' is out there? Strange. None of this makes sense. It's probably wrong after all. Sam follows behind for now, but doesn't try to confront him.

He keeps walking until he reaches Shelk.

This seems familiar. Avengard and Shelk are basically the same, of course. Sam continues to wait and see what he'll do next.

"Sam Kidink!" He’s suddenly grabbed from the side by Sophie Wight. ((End session))

((Saturday))

Lelouch Maoziwam started a thread. 9/4/2023 9:03 PM

"Sam Kidink!" He’s suddenly grabbed from the side by Sophie Wight.

Wh- Sam looks at the person who has grabbed him. Was I wrong? I don't even know how much I believed or didn't believe she was dead. It's strange. I don't know how surprised I am. After all that previous conversation, how much do I even understand myself. This is too confusing. There's so much I could think about, trying to figure out all of this, but... ...The Subway employee is probably gone. I was too careless. I should've just stayed in the restaurant. What did I think before all this, again? "I- uh- hi? I... thought you died."

"No. I’m alive! No thanks to you!" She scoffs. "And if I had died, you’d be in a much worse position right now. They really wanted to argue you shot me."

"...Sure, congrats. I suppose someone else took the fall instead because of that. Jackson Day is dead, after all. But there wasn't anything I could do in the end." It's been days, and the information I have is too far off, and I doubt Ehn was ever in contact with Sophie. Nothing I could say would help in this conversation. I should be avoiding her because she's still important, though. What could I even say? I can't just leave, that wouldn't be right this time...

"Were… You the one who killed him?"

"...No. I took the gun from him, then he ran off. Afterwards, Bob Smith hid the body, supposedly, but that's just what I heard."

"Oh. That’d have at least been respectable."

"Yes, I don't do the whole murder thing, unfortunately. ...Look, do you just want to know what's happened the past few days? It's probably the best I could do right now. Would make this conversation much easier, and I don't mind."

She glares at him angrily, before speaking in an embarrassed tone. "…Yes."

"Well, in Avengard, apparently Bob Smith is in jail with this woman named Sarah Stanley who I knew before. Who knows what that guy is up to now, but he's not really trouble anymore." "That's all besides the point, though. I did what I said I would. I did go off somewhere else. Gordon - the guy at the prison - found me, though, and told me I could leave this dumb city as long I didn't come back. My death was supposed to be faked, and apparently Bob Smith was supposed to be behind that. Of course, it didn't work. Sure, I went off to some other town for a few days, met some point who you probably don't know, and some events happened which I don't think you care about, but Naomi tracked me down eventually. So now I'm stuck here and she's tracking my every move. Basically, I failed, and now I'm stuck here." "The point is, I tried and failed to escape. But that's fine, you know? I don't know what your past few days have been like, but it might be your turn now. You could leave the city. I might be stuck here, but there's really nothing keeping you here anymore. Bob Smith is in jail, and unless your parents are tracking you or constantly look for you for no reason, now might be your chance to get out for good. It might be for the best."

"I’ve been in a coma! Because you abandoned me! And I- I already know there’s no point in running away, okay? I’m not going to end up like my sister."

"...There was nothing I could've done! I really tried, okay? You were in a coma by the time you were on the street. I tried to get you to a hospital, but I was the only person around, and I don't even know how you managed to get to one eventually. ...That's why I didn't shoot Jackson. I wanted to get answers from him, figure out why you were shot in the first place." He sighs. "But I'm not someone meant to solve problems. I don't see why you can't leave. I didn't even know you had a sister, or that she tried to leave as well. But I'm not engaging with all of this story. Not in the way some people want."

"'Story'? What the fuck are you talking about? This is my life!"

This really is an impossible conversation. How does any of this make sense?! It's been nearly five days and there's still no sense to it. The worst part about trying to work around this is I don't even know how the plan works. "Not that! It's a different matter. ...What do you know about what happened to her?"

"To who?"

"Your sister, of course. Not much better to do than figure out what happened."

"She ran away. I... hadn't seen her in years."

"...But was she still in Avengard?"

"Maybe? I don't know. I haven't actually seen her yet."

"So then... If you're going to stay here, and if I'm stuck here, then it's probably for the best for us to find her." ...This might be okay. There are two ways of approaching this. If I operate under the Subway guy's assumption, then her being out of the picture could indicate that finding her may not be possible at all. But that's okay, it will take us closer to the truth. On the other hand, if he's entirely wrong and that conversation was entirely meaningless, then again, she is likely not relevant to Ehn's plans for me or anyone else under that consideration. It's possible she's with some other 'protagonist' in Ehn's words, but that could still prove to be a useful conversation.

"She came back to my father yesterday. She was practically begging. I don't think you need to do anything, and I definitely wouldn't want your help."

"That's dumb. If you leave, you shouldn't try to come back. It would only make things worse. ...Didn't you say you wouldn't mind being away from your dad? In any case, there isn't much better for me to do around here."

"There's nothing for me anywhere else."

"How can you say for sure? There's always other people everywhere. ...You know, I met someone else who was active online or something, so maybe you're similar. Could be a good way of finding fulfillment if you aren't someone who likes walking places like me."

"Stop it."

"...Fine." I suppose I can check later, anyway. "Why did you bother looking for me in the first place if you know I ran off?"

"I wasn't looking for you. I hate you. I just wanted your apology."

"...Well, sorry then. I admit it. It would've been better for both of us and everyone else if things didn't turn out as they have. Is that all?"

She looks at him silently for a while. "Do you know why anyone likes you?"

"No, and they shouldn't. There are many people out there who would do much more for others. Being normal friends like that is probably ideal for many." ...In fact, this absurdity with people trying to be close to me started a few days ago. Maybe this is also Ehn's fault. It really doesn't help me, so I believe it. But what's the point? All the same, there are probably people who have thought the same way as me in the past or present, but they weren't put through this.

"Because you're boring. And you're normal. And you're kind of really stupid. But mostly... You're just really boring. So stop trying to put on whatever this weird act is." She turns around. "Goodnight."

"...Thanks. I wish you were right, after all. If you present yourself as normal, you can manage reasonable enough circumstances over time. At least, in theory. I would've preferred that, but other people have had different plans. And this is the result. Someone who acts 'normally' in an environment of constant action is a waste of space for those who can't appreciate other situations for what they are." "...It probably would've been better if we never met. Just do whatever you need to. It's the best for you. Bye." Sam walks away afterwards.

Sophie also walks away.

Sam goes back to the location of the destroyed fish store again and sits down.

Time passes uneventfully until it’s night.

((time never passes eventfully))

...Time passes too fast for this city. For Ehn, and those in this 'story'. That's all there is to it. Sam sort of just sits there and doesn't really do much of anything. Eventually, he decides to search the fish store area again.

((Roll))

((18))

Sam is certain there is nothing to find here.

Unfortunately, it appears this location really was meant to leave nothing behind. It's the past. He goes back to sitting there anyway.

Stan's car pulls up outside of the store.

...It's fine. In the end, there is still a lot I can try to explore. He goes over to the car.

Stan gets out of the car. "Oh, umm… Hello."

"Yeah. Hi." If he hasn't done anything up to this point, does this even matter? Probably not. He gets in the car. "Let's go. Unless you want to go somewhere else, which I'm also fine with."

4:22 PM

"Actually, what do you even do?"

"What do you mean?" He gets back in the car.

"What do you do all day? It's a simple question."

"Oh, umm… Work? Run errands for your mother? You know…" He starts driving. "She just asked me to make sure you come home. You know… For safety reasons." He pauses for a moment. "I uh… Like bowling sometimes."

"Yes, all of that was obvious. Except the bowling part. Realistically, there is no safety involved in any of this. The car could crash at any moment, for example, except that will never happen." "Whatever. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, and this is probably a waste of time either way. I'm glad you like bowling." (edited)

"Oh, uh… Thanks?" He goes silent.

"You're welcome. I would prolong this conversation, but I don't imagine anything happening right now that would make it useful." He does not elaborate and stays silent the rest of the time.

"What was that thing you were asking me earlier? About the… Yeah."

He sighs. "...The days of the week. About why a system exists where other places are days behind us for no reason. It's confusing. Do you have an answer or not?"

"I think it’s a government thing. Like for taxes. Y’know."

"Sounds like a poor excuse for a nonsense system. When do taxes even get collected? Why does a local government control the days of the week and not some world organization?"

"I mean it’s like… Agreed upon I think. Some countries don’t do it."

"Yes. It's totally agreed upon that some place less than a mile away is days behind. Maybe if I took a trip around the world I would miss a century."

"I mean… If you went in the opposite direction it’d take you a while to jump forward. We’re just near one of the edges. They’re like… Big zones."

"Still way too many days. What you're taught in school blatantly contradicts that thought process."

"It is? Maybe it’s like… A political thing."

"Whatever."

They arrived home. Stan parked the car in the parking lot.

He enters the house.

Naomi is sitting inside.

"I came back after all." He says this.

"Good." That’s all she says.

He shrugs and goes to wherever his room was before.

It’s still there and unchanged.

The Subway worker was right. He goes to sleep.

((End chapter + session))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

10: Advanced Gaming

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam wakes up in his bed.

Wednesday. It's unclear how much this actually matters. That aside, thinking about yesterday's events, it is clear that there is something which does not make sense. It's a sort of causal paradox: I went somewhere random, yet encountered someone who gave thought-provoking information. Imagine if I went to the building next door instead. Would something similar have occurred? This city is large, and has many people who I've talked to who said the everyday things, and I don't mind that. So, why then was the behavior different now? I can only conclude that the days since around when Ehn showed up differ heavily from the ones before. Perhaps there is a real world this is based off of, for example? In any case, I need to find at least one method of escaping, however that works. It didn't seem as if I was being roped into anything in particular; Sophie gave me the option of not checking in on her, and I'm glad she can be left to do whatever she wants to on her end without any protagonist nonsense. So, is there a plan set out for me or not? Regardless, I should try to take some action to get the answer. He goes downstairs.

Naomi is downstairs, talking on the phone.

...It's probably her work connections, as usual. There's probably not much reason to stay here, but I should plan where I go next anyway, whether it's a random location or otherwise. Sam listens in for a bit. (edited)

"Are you sure…? They’ve identified the body?"

...This could be anyone. I doubt it's anyone I know, and it's been way too long for it to be anyone important. I might be concerned about Mr. Kerloe, at least more than some others, but if the 'story' dictates me being alive currently, then the same likely goes for him, right? He leaves through the front door unless something happens.

"…Thank you." She hangs up. "Sam?"

That was quick. There are a few ways that call could've ended, and I figured she'd go for a while longer. Perhaps I was meant to ask about this from the start, or she just didn't want me to leave abruptly. "Yes?"

"What do you say to someone when you leave?"

Never mind. Boring. "...I'm leaving. Bye. Have a good day. Or a nice call, if you need to call back later." He actually leaves after that regardless of if something happens.

She follows him out of the door. "You don’t have to worry anymore, either."

"About what? I wasn't exactly worrying about anyone, I think."

"Yourself. Jeff Johnner died. No one’s going to come after you anymore. So get to school."

"Who's that? Hardly sounds like the name of a mastermind behind anything." Okay, I somewhat remember him, but mostly because Sophie mentioned him recently. Still, him being the mastermind would be silly. Everyone knows there are more people behind such things. I doubt he was at all responsible for my situation. I wonder if this implies there is something for me to see at school. I doubt I would be sent there for no reason. But well, order doesn't matter here.

"He’s the figurehead of the mob, but without him it’ll crumble. No one’s going to waste their time going after you."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." At least that lets me worry about the greater threat. Perhaps him dying was meant to happen because of this? But none of these events had to exist in the first place. ...It's still annoying that someone would concoct such a plan to have Jeff Johnner be placed in that important role only to die later. He does actually proceed towards the school.

Naomi goes back inside.

Who killed him, anyway? I doubt it matters. Should I stop by somewhere else? There isn't much I can do to break things within the school, but I might run into someone important at school, the way things are. Both options are fine, I just need to spin the situation in a direction favorable for me. On the way to the school, Sam opts to look inside some arbitrary building, just to see what's going on.

Nothing particularly interesting.

The absence of action is an interesting point. I would expect something to happen, but this time, it wasn't the case. Is anyone in the building?

There are.

He steps in and approaches some random person. "Hi, what happens in this building?"

They give an extraordinarily complex explanation that just leaves Sam more confused.

"Fascinating. Thanks." I'm not sure what the point is. I can't tell if the implication is whether I should leave or keep trying here. Now, if I go back later and check in on some random building and something similar happens again, that might be something. ...Either way, this won't work. I probably have better chances going to school for now. He leaves and actually gets to school.

Sam arrives at school. Things are normal.

There's no one yet. I could go to class, but I think it's best to leave the people there to their own devices. I'm also curious if I'll have to go there at some point. But there's little use staying where it's obvious nothing is happening. He walks around and tries to find a broom closet.

There is indeed a broom closet.

Could be a good place to hang out instead. He enters and keeps the door slightly open to see who walks by.

Sophie walks by.

She still goes here. That makes sense. He continues watching to see who walks by.

No one else important passes by.

How many students do I know here, actually? Maybe 3 or 4 by name, at most. Still, this is indicative of a clear result. There are very few coincidences in this city. He continues watching.

Eventually the janitor walks in.

Oh. Finally, someone who knows something about this place. This is exactly what I should be doing. This should be great. "Hello. Sorry for showing up here, but I have a few questions, if it's okay?"

"What are you doing here?"

"I was told to go look for something here. But I still want to ask things."

"What is it?"

Well, I could ask what your job is, what do you do around here, and so on, but he might be a bit impatient in this case. I shouldn't interfere with his job either way, as interesting as it could be. "Do you know of any students who have recently disappeared from around here?"

"I'm just a janitor. I don't pay attention to that."

...How long can I carry this conversation, anyway? "Then what do you pay attention to?"

"Cleaning. Can you just go to Lelouch class, I have cleaning to do."

"That's a class? Whatever, sure. But I got a bit lost, sorry. Could you point me in the direction to get there?" That's not something you normally say. It's without a doubt clear that I'm being told to go here not because the janitor happens to be a random person who would bother with that. But I am curious since I never saw her in the past few days...

"I dunno, any class. They’re all Lelouch class."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because everyone is dedicated to worshipping Lelouch Maoziwam, of course."

"This is the first I've heard of this. Probably because I just came here recently, sorry. Where is she?"

The janitor shrugs.

"How do you know her in the first place?"

"Who doesn’t know Lelouch Maoziwam?"

"As I said, I came here recently. Did she do something important?"

The janitor looks at Sam like he’s crazy.

"I also don't have a phone. I can't check the news." I wonder if I'm meant to get the answer or not. But it doesn't matter. I can keep this conversation up until something absurd occurs.

The janitor leaves with a mop.

Lame. Actually, while it's not ideal to be out and about, I can still keep this conversation up if I pretend. Sam takes some broom from the broom closet and catches up to the janitor.

"What are you doing?"

"You didn't answer my question. Also, I was supposed to pick up a broom. Anyway, what was it that she did?"

"Why would she have to do something?"

"Well, you implied she was well known. That means she did something important."

"She’s important because she’s important."

Exactly. This is not a normal conversation. In fact, I doubt any conversations I've had in Avengard recently were truly normal, and for good reason. What the janitor is saying is true. She is probably one of Ehn's 'protagonists' given her relevance prior. So this checks out. I'm not talking to anyone important. But it's worth continuing this conversation because of it. ...Though, does that mean the other town is in danger of falling victim to the same problems as this city? Maybe I really should try to get back there eventually. Or I could just trust in them. That sounds better. Ashley can probably make that work somehow. "...Do you know anyone else at this school?"

"Jade Lamperouge. She’s really cute…"

Finally. A new name. I don't think this actually helps, but it's good to know I'm not the only one around here. There are more students than just the people I know, which means other 'protagonists' can help deal with the situation, at least at this school. "How do you know her?"

"She’s the one who told us about Lelouch."

"Who's 'us'? You're only one person."

"The school."

"That doesn't make sense. If Lelouch was so important, then you would know about her before being told about her by a different person."

"No love." They shakes their head, and begin mopping the floor.

What a bizarre statement. But that's exactly it. "Shouldn't that make Jade the more important one? Why is it Lelouch?" I have a very clear idea, but I want to hear the janitor's 'thoughts'.

"Because she told us to, obviously."

"...And you just listened to her."

"Obviously. That’s love."

"Do you not have a problem with-" Actually, this question is irrelevant. I doubt I will get a real answer. I got what I asked about. "Are there any other students you know besides Jade and Lelouch?"

"No, I don’t pay attention."

"...What do you do outside of being a janitor?"

"This is my full time job."

"So? There are more than 8 hours in a day."

They keep mopping.

"Nothing, huh? Do you even exist outside of this school?"

"Yeah. Can you just go now?"

"Sure. Thanks for talking, I learned a lot." I already proved my point, anyway. I should do something else and see what happens then. It's a shame he doesn't have a more interesting daily life, anyway. I should leave things as they are. Sam goes around the school looking for a classroom that might have Lelouch or Shawn in it since those are the only two he knows the faces of, and makes sure to avoid stopping by his own class. If this fails, he just opens a random classroom that is not his.

((Roll))

((15))

Sam finds that neither of them are anywhere in the school. He does, however, run into Sophie as she tries to sneak through the halls. ((Pause session for a bit))

((Cool. By the way, just to clarify, he is still carrying the broom.))

((I can keep going now))

((I'm walking around in real life give me a bit))

6:44 PM

So they're not here? Perhaps this was intentional as well. I wonder where, then. Perhaps I should've stayed outside. But for now, I should hope this conversation goes by as fast as possible, even if it is necessary. "Hey."

"…Oh. You’re here. Please tell me you’re not obsessing over Lelouch."

"No? What, is everyone else?" Are you serious? Was the janitor not making metaphorical statements? Well, it's still a similar concept. Fine. I can work with this. But I don't get it. She isn't even here.

"Yeah. They’re running a full class over that creep. God, I can’t catch a break, can I?" She rubs here eyes, but her face still looks like she’s been crying.

So, if this is actually real, then could it be... one of Ehn's objects? Perhaps something happened one or two days ago to cause this, so Sophie wasn't caught in it since she was in a coma. This is perhaps a problem. I can't respect someone who takes away from people who simply exist. Sure, school drama is boring, but there are people like the janitor who may have been better before. I should try to convince her not to use whatever she has, much like everyone else. That should help. "That's annoying. She's probably not even at school today. It might be good to leave the building."

"Yeah… I’m trying to get out of here."

"Okay." Sam starts walking towards the nearest exit unprompted.

She follows. "It’s… That easy?"

"...It should be? Were you stuck here earlier?" Is that another effect? Sophie is clearly not someone in contact with Ehn, so she may be subject to some other rules that might be preventing escape. I wonder if that's the reason I was able to run around so freely. In that case, finding Lelouch shouldn't be that hard. Sam just leaves when he finds an exit.

"I don’t know… I just… Assumed they’d stop me."

Not an unfounded assumption. It's possible that could've happened otherwise. Though, if hypothetically there was no free will, would someone be allowed to leave the classroom to begin with? "Well, it didn't happen. It's best to leave now."

"Where are we going?"

"I don't know. I was going to go try to find Lelouch, as I doubt I have anything else to accomplish at school. I doubt you want to be there for that."

"Yeah… No."

"Okay. ...Have a good day." He starts to walk back towards the school.

"Not likely." She keeps walking away.

7:23 PM

The school is the same as before.

How can I even go about searching for anyone I know? None of them are at the school, and talking to anyone else would yield similar answers to the janitor. I doubt anyone is at their houses right now, even aside from that. I wonder what would happen if I just went somewhere? Sam goes to some random building in the vicinity of the school and opens the door.

((Roll))

((17))

Sam enters a random business. The man from last night is working there as a receptionist.

...Okay, question time. Do I really think this guy works here, or is he just here for lack of a better person to take his place? All of this is a mess, isn't it? I'm not sure if my conclusions make sense. "Hello."

"Oh not you again..."

"Yeah, I don't get this either. But I'll make it simple this time, I'm not trying to waste your time this morning. Do you know where Lelouch Maoziwam is?"

"Who?"

Plus, staying here too long would be bad in the sense that he might become more relevant against his will. And I would prefer for people to stay out of it if they're real. If they're not, it doesn't matter. "...Do you know where Hav Kerloe is?" They knew each other, so at least it's an attempt.

"No, I don't... I don't know where anyone is. Why don't you just... Check a phonebook."

"Sure. Is there one here?"

"No. There's probably one in a library or something."

"Then what is this place?"

"I... It's... An office space."

"Oh, okay." I'll just go to the library soon. However... He tries to see if he can go further into the building anyway.

The door is locked.

Likely nothing to see there, anyway. There wasn't meant to be anything here besides him. "Thanks, by the way. You made good points." Sam leaves the building and goes to find some library.

"Uh... You're welcome."

7:54 PM

Sam finds a library.

He goes to find some phonebook.

This succeeds.

Sam now checks to see if he can find listed information for Lelouch Maoziwam, Hav Kerloe, Bob Smith, Nathan Smith, Jade Lamperouge, Shawn Duveldt, Wilford Duveldt, Ray Elliot, Sophie Wight, Jeff Johnner, Ashley Laurier, and 'Ehn'. In that exact order. ...I don't know Gordon's last name.

((Roll))

((13))

There are a couple of Shuichi's companies under his name listed here, along with Josh Maoziwam, but Lelouch isn't. There are no results for Kerloe. There are too many Bob Smiths and Nathan Smiths to sift through. There is no Jade Lamperouge. Wilford and Madeline Duveldt are in the phonebook, but not Shawn. Ray Elliot is there, and so is Sophie(Sam does already have the latter's phone number accessible in his texts). Johnner isn't there. Ashley Laurier isn't there, but there are a few Lauriers who could be related. Ehn isn't a name.

((my phone has been broken for a while though. good to have a refresher)) Sam goes to find some paper in the library to record all of what does exist and writes it down. Then he leaves to find a phonebooth somewhere.

((Roll))

((3))

Sam cannot find a phone booth. Stan pulls up in his car next to Sam.

Huh. I wonder what they're doing at this time of day? In any case, I could go back home and try to use a phone there. Perhaps that'll work. Or I could go to school and use a phone there. It's likely the place I'm going is either of those. Sam walks up to the car, but doesn't get in. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Oh, umm... Your mother wanted me to check why you weren't at school."

"Tell her someone else had an emergency and that I'm walking back there now."

"Oh... What are you doing out here then?"

"I was helping them out. They wanted to go to the library. I'm a good person, you know?"

"Oh. Do you want a lift, then?"

"Not really. I prefer to walk, and it's not that far."

"Oh... Okay." He leaves.

Sam walks to the school and finds the front office.

This succeeds. It's empty.

He goes to use the phone there. Where should I start? The most 'direct' solution would be to call Shuichi or Josh Maoziwam, but I don't imagine he would be on the other end. I could try Wilford, then, since Shawn and Lelouch seemed to be in contact with each other. Actually, there's one way I could do this. Sam tries to call Josh Maoziwam.

It rings for a long time, and then finally... "Hello?"

"Hello, this is Belto Shelk Memorial Highschool calling. Lelouch wasn't at school today. Do you know where she might be?"

"Why did you call this phone number...? Even when Josh... Even when he was still alive... He never attended your school."

Oh. My bad. Though, does it really matter? How important was he? I have no idea. In any case, it's best to press forward. "This was a phone number listed in the directory, and we were unable to reach Shuichi through any of his companies."

"Yes... I am he. Shuichi. In the future, try not to make my dead son's phone ring." He sounds tired.

"We're sorry. ...But do you happen to know where Lelouch Maoziwam is?"

"She just left. For the final time." He sighs. "If I may, I really do recommend you not have kids. They truly are a torturous lot. The kind who torture their parents as if it were some mere joke. That... Is the nature of teenage rebellion. Spite at being born. They do not want it... No one wants it. So don't harm them with it. What were you talking about again? Oh yes, my daughter. Hmm... I don't know if she'll be coming to school anymore. She seems to consider herself beyond that. And in some ways... Perhaps she may be. She is my flesh and blood, after all."

"...You're right. When you get old enough, you learn that living is simply difficult. While it's best to work with the cards you've been dealt, I think family tends to get in the way of the lives any of us want. It's an inevitable consequence that must be worked around." "This school... It's in a bit of disarray, to say the least. Your daughter has done something to the people here, that's for sure. But if you don't know, then I'm sorry you have to deal with the consequences. It would do better for you to not have thought about her in the first place." "...Do you have any idea where she might've gone?" (edited)

"...No. It's not my job anymore, as it seems. Some witch has stolen her away from under me... And I let it happen." He laughs strangely. "I suppose it's a Maoziwam's nature to seek greatness on our own. Perhaps in that sense too, we aren't too far apart. I'd certainly hate to be my own mother..."

"To seek greatness on your own... I find it difficult to get behind something like that. In some way, I wish everyone I met was great. But who's to say?" "...You said someone stole her away. Was that person named Jade?"

"Yes... That's the name she gave her. The most despicable human I had ever encountered... I wonder what changed. What light did she see to strike that deal? Hmm..." He pauses. "What is your name?"

...I'd never heard about her until today. "I see. I have no clue what deal that may have been." "...I'm Sam Kidink. A person who should be dead, and a person who's failed many times at his goals. Or Alex, if you'd prefer that."

"I've never heard of you. You must be exceedingly irrelevant. And yet, you've heard of me? Isn't that funny... My mark on history is undeniable. Thus is the nature of existence. You really ought to hurry Mr... What was it again? Hmm... It seems I've forgotten again." He laughs. "Oh yes, my daughter... Here's her phone number." He says it. "I would certainly hate to deprive her of such conversational opportunities as you." He laughs again.

Sam writes the number down. "...It's true. I'm quite irrelevant, and in some ways, it's a trait I like. But I'm still trying to make moves, and we'll see where it takes me. And we'll see what happens for any of us, no matter what position we have." "Alex Zeety. Try not to remember it. Thanks."

"You sound rather young for a faculty member." He finally brings this up.

"I agree."

"Hm." He hangs up.

...What will happen now, I wonder? Sam calls the Lelouch Maoziwam phone number.

((End session))

9:10 PM

((Saturday))

Lelouch Maoziwam started a thread. 9/18/2023 9:51 PM

((Saturday))

((Sorry for the lack of response shoko has just not shown up))

((that's fine, I'm a bit tired anyway))

((Can you do a makeup session))

((unless it's literally tomorrow, I don't think so))

Lelouch picks up.

((Okay.))

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / lelouch-and-sam

((Hi))

"Hello. I believe I'm speaking to Lelouch Maoziwam?" He says this over the phone from Belto Shelk Memorial Highschool.

"Yes, this is her, and you are?"

"Alex Zeety. ...I'm not speaking on behalf of this school, however. You see, some events or another occurred here, and I found the result to be... Quite unexpected, for lack of a better word."

"And? What does that have to do with me?"

"That was you, wasn't it? My theory is you must've used some 'item' given to you by someone else. You could say I'm aware of that entire matter."

"Hm? Oh. Oh, yea, I did do that." Lelouch mumbles. "Anyway, so what? I don't see any importance or relevance in my highschool."

2:19 PM

"Or talking to you, for that matter."

"There isn't, you're right. The high school doesn't actually matter." He pauses. "However, I'm interested in working something out, and I might have some information you might be interested in as well. As it comes to... Sophie Wight, Ehn, and a few others, at least. I assume you're familiar with those names. Or maybe you think you know the entire story already. I'm sure lots has happened in the past few days, after all."

"...Well, if you have information, why not share it?"

"Well, I'm not just going to tell you everything up front. That would be a waste. I would at least want to ask something in return."

"Ugh, fine. What do you want in return, then?"

"Well, there's a few things I'm curious about myself. I'm sure you've seen things over the past few days which I want to understand. So, there's two things. First, I want to know the names of any other people you know have received 'items' from Ehn as well. Second, I'd like to meet up with you and whatever group you're a part of, if any. I don't plan on doing much of anything, but I do want to follow along to wherever you were planning to go. It'll also make it easier for me to talk through everything. So, should I go to where you are, or do you want to come to the school?"

"Well, I've no idea if Ehn's given anyone else items, so that answers your first question. Before I answer the second one, allow me a moment."

He waits. Maybe I overestimated how much anyone knows about anything? (edited)

Lelouch Maoziwam started a thread. 10/7/2023 2:48 PM

"Alright, we'll be able to meet you. We'll come to the school."

"Fair enough."

"Mhm. See you soon." Lelouch keeps her sentence short as she ends the phone call.

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam is still in the front office.

That was something. Maybe I underestimated how much people I know are aware of anything. ...That aside, should I meet them outside? It's not fun to stick around in this building, and I don't think I have any other calls I can make within the narrow time window before she arrives. Getting in contact with Shawn and Ray could be helpful, but I don't know how easy that is. Maybe I could try anyway? If I have to call Sophie at some point, it might be good to stay here, though. I suppose staying here may be the best call after all. Whatever. I have time. I'll just hang up if I get visitors before then. Sam calls Ray's phone number.

No answer.

Maybe not. ...As interesting as it might be in some other situation, I imagine calling one of Shawn's parents would lead to a horribly long-winded conversation with not much to gain. Instead, I should just figure out how soon I expect people to show up. Sam exits the front office and looks to see if anyone is coming in the direction of the school.

A car approaches.

That was quick. I suppose not everyone is keen on walking to school. Sam steps outside and waits at the front entrance.

Naomi steps out of the car.

Oh. What could she be doing here right now? Is school going on still at all? This is a bad approach, actually. I should instead think about why this event came to pass. Maybe I wasn't supposed to meet up with Lelouch at all. That still means it's worth attempting, though, isn't it? Ideally, I'm not the only person who has a part of play in this narrative who's bound to show up. Has she noticed him yet?

"Sam! Good, you’re done with school."

"...Exactly. I did go after all. Hopefully, Stan told you about what happened when I was gone. ...But I came to tell you I might want to stay after for some club meeting with someone. I'll be around the school for longer, don't worry." This probably won't work.

"No. Come with me. I told you, didn’t I? You’re working for me now. As repayment for that stunt you pulled."

Well, now's my chance to stall this out. "Didn't we explicitly discuss that there was nothing I could be doing right now? Plus, the school is in a situation which you might want to look into. I believe one of the teachers wanted to talk to you."

"Sam, don’t treat me like an idiot. I’m your mother. Obviously I’m smarter than you. Get in the car."

"I'm not. I've only ever made valid statements." He runs into the school and finds his way to some classroom. Or, tries to, at least.

"Sam, get back here!" She follows.

He looks for a classroom with people in it and enters. If there isn't one, he just looks for people. There's probably not enough time to find the specific one he was supposed to be in. It's strange. Sophie was running around trying to escape the school. Now I'm running around trying to stay in the school. I don't know why I was allowed to do this in the first place, though. As long as I'm the only one here, this shouldn't be possible. Ehn most likely wanted me to get out of here. Did Shawn or someone else happen to come here at some point? Or is there another factor I'm missing?

((Roll))

((13))

Sam successfully enters a classroom. They’re learning about Lelouch Maoziwam.

Perfect. People are still in class. This basically proves my point. Actually, what if I just stayed here? Would that count as still being in class? Maybe that would solve some problem. But I don't know if I could actually meet with Lelouch at that point. At the same time, if she shows up, what will happen to the people here? Will they all go to try and find her? I'll wait a bit. It's worth thinking about, though. Sam pays attention to learn what information is being said about Lelouch Maoziwam.

They’re just talking about how pretty and smart she is, along with various other compliments. These people are all clearly romantically attracted to her.

Valueless conversation. I genuinely wonder why Lelouch wanted this. Unfortunately, as much as it annoys me that people here, some of which could've been interesting, were changed to be this way, I'll have to play along with it if I want any hope of turning this situation around. Whatever she did is no joke, so I have to be careful myself. However, it's still objectively better than dealing with whatever direction I was supposed to take with Naomi, as that was probably the intended narrative. Let's see... Sam whispers to some random student. "Hey, I heard that Lelouch might be stopping by the school soon."

"Really?"

"It's true. I was outside for a little while and heard some other students talking about this."

"Woah…"

...I was considering dragging out this conversation, but this isn't of much interest. I should get to executing some plan, whatever that may be. Is it possible at all that Naomi was trapped inside the school like Sophie was? But I can't take chances, and I never have. "What if we told everyone this and went into the hallways to look?"

"We can’t do that."

"Oh, sorry. What about the teacher? It could be a field trip of sorts."

"We have to listen to the class."

"I agree. But what if the class went out together?"

"We can’t do that."

"Right." This is going nowhere. Were the instructions she gave specifically to stay in class? That's quite annoying. I'll have to make Naomi come here rather than the other way around. Or wait to see if Lelouch actually arrives. Sam steps out of the classroom, but keeps the door open and stays next to it. He looks to see if anyone in coming in whatever direction.

Lelouch and a green haired girl wearing a maid outfit are talking to Naomi in the hallway.

Hm... they're in the same location. Even if I get Naomi to come over here, how likely is it for me to be able to get the class to do anything? It should be a last resort. But I'll be prepared. Sam walks up to them, but keeps a bit of distance.

"Oh, Sam!" Lelouch calls out.

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / lelouch-and-sam

"There you are." Naomi approaches Sam.

I figured they would've exchanged information by this point. That's okay, though. "So you came." He says this to Lelouch and just ignores Naomi. "Let's get the details out of the way, the mystery doesn't matter at this point. I called myself Alex Zeety over the phone because I needed a cover and I'm not sure you would've come here otherwise. But that's me. I have the information. Unfortunately, it's not easy for me to say much of anything while Naomi is around trying to find me. It seems she got caught in this school at some point, but for some reason didn't get put under the same conditions as everyone else in the school, and it would be a shame if someone here didn't understand Lelouch Maoziwam. Could we somehow get her out of this conversation?"

Naomi grabs him by the wrist.

"Jade, spray her."

"Really? Her and not him?" Jade, presumably.

Lelouch thinks for a second, before saying, "actually, yea, both of them."

Curious. This could be the aforementioned 'item'. Maybe I should try to get out? Or will being affected by it be helpful to my knowledge? Either could be the case. I want to see what she says, though. "Well, you know, I wouldn't be of much help if you're doing what I think you are. Either way is fine, of course." He tries to break free of Naomi at this point anyway.

((Roll))

((8))

Sam does not break free. "Don’t make me pull, Sam." Naomi. Jade approaches with a bottle of perfume.

Fine. I suppose I'm not strong enough. But that's okay, I'll refuse to use items myself as long as it takes. It is therefore far superior to let things happen as they are. Lelouch seemingly wants to take control of things, so if it benefits me and gets me out of my story, then maybe this will be great. "Okay. Then how about we wait here? This should be interesting." Sam does in fact just stay there and wait for Jade to come over.

((Channel split))

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Lelouch is hit in the back of the head with a chair and crumples the the ground, unconscious. Sophie is standing behind her, still holding the chair. "Ms Lelouch!" Jade turns around.

Huh? Was I wrong? Why was Lelouch knocked out at this point? Shouldn't the flow of events have been disrupted already, or were events just forced in an absurd way to conform to this setting? And why did Sophie come back to the school? Was she looking for Lelouch? I can only assume she wasn't supposed to be here, and unfortunately things went the other way as a result. Sam glances at the scene. "...Are you going to do something, Jade?"

Sophie keeps hitting Lelouch with a chair. "This! Is! What! You! Get!" "Are these the kind of people you go to school with? No wonder you turned out so bad. I need a serious discussion with the school board." Naomi. Jade rushes towards Lelouch.

"I told you the teacher wanted to see you. Maybe all the kids these days are as bad as me, don't you think? Why don't you break it up?" To Naomi. Sam just continues to stare at the scene. "Well, I did say I'd meet with Lelouch." He offhandedly says this to Sophie, though doesn't expect a response. It's not the worst issue if Sophie keeps doing this. But I might really be stuck in whatever situation I was meant to because of it. Sophie too is stuck in this narrative plot. While it's nice that she's getting what she wanted, in the greater scheme, this may be problematic.

Sophie gets tired and drops the chair, as Jade tackles her to the ground.

"Well, it's difficult for me to do much, as you can see." He comments on the scene some more, not even talking to any particular person at this point.

Sophie and Jade have a very unimpressive fight while rolling around on the floor. "Come on, we’re leaving." Naomi.

I wonder if I need to do something greater to break out of the situation in the future? "What? You don't want to do anything about this very serious issue?"

"Girls will be girls." She shrugs performatively, despite getting the saying wrong. "I’m not a teacher here or either of their parents. I don’t interact with children if I don’t have to."

"You're right. There's a lot you don't have to do. Maybe it's better to take a step back." "Anyway, I got something I came here for. Unless you want to confiscate more items like that bottle she was holding, we should just go."

"That’s what I keep saying." Naomi stops gripping him arm and walks towards the exit. Jade pins Sophie to the ground triumphantly and takes out the perfume bottle. "You’ll… Pay." "Leave me alone!" Sophie.

This is probably the last chance if I want to do anything about this situation. Actually, if I ran in right now, would I still end up getting hit? That could solve all the issues. The problem is that I actually believe I have a chance of escaping whatever I was supposed to do before I ran back into the school. I wonder about that. In fact, the only reason I wouldn't turn back at this point is because I'm worried it would make things worse if I failed as far as Naomi's responses to me go. But that's not true, is it? If that event is guaranteed to happen barring no other changes, then she's not going to be any more or less annoyed regardless of what I do. I should've realized this way before the past few days, honestly. If I succeed, then the result is beneficial. If I fail, then nothing actually changes, does it? Sam rushes in and attempts to push Jade out of the way. (edited)

((Roll))

((2))

Sam completely fails to push Jade away. Jade suddenly leans forward and kisses Sophie. Sophie looks incredibly confused. The perfume bottle rolls to the side slowly.

I'm not entirely convinced Jade is anything like Autumn. Anyway... Sam picks up the bottle and just inspects it.

It looks like a normal perfume bottle. It’s full.

Didn't Jade just use it? I assume it just always stays full, much like the fish always complete unless drastic measures are taken. Sam waits to see what happens next between everyone who is here.

Jade passes out. "What… the fuck?" Sophie pushes her off.

He walks over to the other side so that Sophie and Jade are in-between him and Naomi. "I'm as confused as you are. At least on this specific point."

Sophie gets up and wipes her lips. "…You’re welcome. Probably. I didn’t do it for you, I’m just asking for a thanks here."

"Well, this isn't exactly what I was hoping would happen, but I can work with this, at least. I think. Thanks." He says this.

Naomi returns. "What now?" "…Is that your mom?" Sophie.

"Probably."

"Probably?" They both say this in confusion.

Sam sighs. "Should we just do what was going to happen earlier? I don't know anything about how this works, but it's worth a try." He goes and sprays Naomi with the perfume bottle. "Just leave me alone. That's all. If this works, then I won't ask for anything else. If it doesn't, then whatever, it was bound to fail anyway."

She coughs. "What on earth was that?" "Are you seriously trying to copy Lelouch? What the hell is wrong with you?" Sophie approaches them.

Well, I suppose there's no way I could've figured out exactly how it works this quickly. "...Nothing. I wanted to figure out the trick she used to put the school in the state it's in. Supposedly, it's something to do with this bottle, but I couldn't make it work. Maybe it has to be Jade who uses it." "But if you want to try, I can give it to you." He says this to Sophie. "Otherwise... I'll try using it on myself." He points the bottle towards him, but does nothing.

Sophie grabs the bottle from him. "Stop it!" (edited)

"Fine, alright. Maybe you'll get some use out of it. Try using it on someone." Ehn never mentioned Jade, but mentioned Lelouch, so I still don't think I can assume the object was assigned to Jade instead. Therefore, perhaps it's only people Lelouch wants to be able to use it? In that case, Sophie might fall under that category.

"If you think this thing can brainwash people, why are you trying to use it? Do you really think anyone deserves to choose for someone else? That you, me, or anyone deserves to play god?" Sophie. Naomi is watching this in confusion.

"Not at all! I wanted to use it once to prove a point. I was going to give it to you afterwards regardless of whether it would've worked on myself. In an ideal world, everyone would be allowed to go about their daily lives as usual. ...But there are some people who want to stop this from happening. And that reduces the number of interesting things which happen. Wouldn't you rather get freedom for yourself and many others, or remained tethered to whatever situation you were forced into at home?"

Sophie’s expression changes to shock. "…Is that what this is about? You just want to get away from her?" (edited)

"...That's what I've been up to the entire time, isn't it? It's definitely one of my main goals. Isn't what you want in your situation similar?"

"Even so, I wouldn’t stoop to brainwashing my father. I know I can be… difficult. But I’m not an evil person, contrary to popular belief. Just call child protective services or something." Sophie. "I raise you all these years and you won’t even give me the courtesy of paying that back. Even more than that, you want to get away from me more than anything? What did I ever do to deserve this!?" Naomi looks like she’s going to cry.

"...I never thought you were a bad person, Sophie. However, I've tried a lot of things already. You know what's going on in this city? Probably not, but regardless, when I ran off for a few days, you know who made me come back? It was some police officers associated with Avengard. ...My point is, that's a nice solution in theory, but wouldn't solve any of the problems. Not that this conversation is really relevant to the greater scope of what's going on in this city, but I am open to resolving personal problems when they're here. And here we are." "...Surely you've tried calling on child protective services yourself, right?" But that's not what happens in this 'story'. No vague governmental entity is saving anyone as long as we're trapped in this 'narrative'. I tried it before I left Avengard in the shootout with Jackson Day. The police are forced to either be incompetent or cause problems.

Sophie sighs. "When in Rome…" She mutters. "What?" Naomi. Sophie sprays Naomi with the perfume.

"...Do as the Romans do." ((do you want to stop soon. definitely a little tired)) (edited)

((I will yeah))

6:47 PM

"Will you stop spraying me with that awful perfume?" Naomi fans it away, towards Sam and Sophie.

"Hey, I didn't buy it." You know, aside from whether it works or not, it's a funny distraction. "I suppose it requires Jade or Lelouch to use it. How annoying." To Sophie.

6:50 PM

"Though, maybe it's because you haven't said anything? I don't know. Probably not."

Sam smells the perfume as it’s fanned in its face. Sophie reacts similarly.

6:53 PM

Sam is now madly in love with Sophie Wight. He is so in love that he is completely incapable of disobeying any order Sophie gives him. This transcends sexual orientation.((So don’t worry about whatever you had in mind for Sam)) He cannot directly state this, so as to not make Sophie uncomfortable naturally, but this is an emotion that compels him no matter what until it wears off((I’ll tell you when)). Sam does not see this as an unnatural development or suspicious at all.

...Maybe this too was inevitable? He makes no other comments at this time and waits for someone to say something.

Sophie looks at Sam strangely.

Sam looks at her. "Well, I... Should probably go. ...It's the best thing we can do here. This conversation is over."

"…Right. See you tomorrow." Sophie nods. "Finally. Come on, Sam." Naomi.

He leaves with Naomi without saying anything else.

Naomi leads him to the car.

Sam gets in the car.

She drives away. ((End session))

((Saturday))

Naomi hands the container with the fish to Sam.

"...Seems weird to fixate on this when I already established it doesn't work." The mystery reminds him where he was before.

"You owe me, remember? You're going to work for me now until I've decided you paid me back."

"And how is this going to help?"

"Because I don't want you getting hurt during it."

"I don't see how this will help with that."

"...Sam." She sighed. "I was shocked too, but we both know magic is real. I've seen Bob Smith flying firsthand."

"...I know magic is real. But I tried for a while to work through the mechanics, actually. I figure you might be curious about all this. But it seems the ways in which it works are... limited, to say the least? There's a bunch of absurd rules. Sometimes things don't work for some people. Other times, nothing happens at all. I once tried dragging Bob Smith's suit out, and it didn't end up working. Things like that."

"I have it in storage right now. It's broken, but I'm sure I'll figure out how it works eventually."

"I doubt it. Chances are you'll have to wait for the event of Bob Smith breaking out of prison or otherwise getting released. Have fun, though."

"Bob Smith is not going to break free. He's been dealt with."

"Okay."

Naomi parked on the side of the road. She pointed at a building in the distance. "Do you see that?"

Hey, another random building! Maybe I'm simply unable to find useful ones without following the plot. Though, perhaps that's interesting itself. "I do see the building in the distance."

"It’s the back of the FNN building. I have a client who’s in trouble for breaking in." She handed him a ski mask. "I need you to get in there and destroy their camera records."

"What does FNN stand for?" He puts on the mask anyway.

"Freedom News Network. It’s where the Fredrick Wight show is run, if that’s not too old for you kids."

"...No, that makes sense."

"Steal some things while you’re in there. Make it look like you came for that."

"..."

"What are you waiting for? Go."

"Well, I was waiting to see if there was anything else you were going to say in this conversation." He goes to the building.

There’s only 1 visible door.

He tries to open the door.

It’s locked.

Sam knocks on the door.

No answer.

Hm... Among Ehn's bizarre requests, the objects are the most unusual point. I've been trying to tell people to avoid any usage of them for the most part, but what does that even mean? Does this actually factor into proving any points at all? The entire construct feels like a plot device, and not only that, one which doesn't even get used half the time. People who've made use of their objects have had them locked away, while people who refuse to use anything have the objects forced upon them. Ehn has blatantly set up a scenario where I'm meant to be using this specifically. Otherwise, the door would've been unlocked from the start if I was simply meant to enter via the 'plot'. But it can't mean that the objects are meant as some required solution, because otherwise Bob Smith would have his suit. So where's the dividing line? What really separates Bob Smith from me, and what point is even being proven here unless Ehn's story is just entirely inconsistent? I can't really believe that. Ehn doesn't appear incomprehensible, at least. ...On to current matters. Perhaps Naomi was never in control of this sequence of events. That's almost sad. Makes me wonder if despite the past few years, that the past few days could've turned out better otherwise. This suggests two things: One, my assumption that this wasn't the correct fish was wrong. It's possible that Ehn just swapped it out through some plot events I was unaware of and fixed it, and there was little I could do about it. Two, getting attached to anyone was a mistake for us all. But if it ends up helping... Sam takes the fish and eats it, then tries to kick down the door.

Sam gets strong and easily breaks through the door.

It worked. That confirms my greatest worry - that for some reason or another, this action was something I was intended to do. Anyway, he tries to find a map and find the room where they record things on the camera.

((Roll))

((6))

Sam does not find the camera room or a map.

He instead looks to see if there are even cameras that he can see at all.

There are definitely cameras.

Okay. He tries to go somewhere until he finds a place where they aren't in fact cameras.

Eventually Sam finds the camera room. The building is strangely empty.

And nobody's here. Someone didn't even bother to pretend that this path wasn't deliberately laid out. While I'm here, I'm curious what's so important about any of this. I might destroy it later if it's the best thing to do, but... Sam sees if it is possible to check through some of the footage and what even is there to begin with.

The most recent footage involves a crowd of people storming the place and chasing the staff out. Then after a while they go outside for some reason, led by a strange looking guy.

Probably a matter of convenience. Sam tries to find some paper and makes note of the strange looking guy. He then tries to rewind and see if anything happens before the staff get chased out.

The guy leading them is dragged out of the building by security a short while before the incident.

So that's what led to the incident. But why? Was it possible that this guy and Naomi were planning something together? He rewinds some more.

The guy was originally brought in for the show before he started a fight with the host.

...Maybe not. It could be an entirely 'unrelated' circumstance on this level. I'm sure it was part of some grander display, but as far as what Naomi wants goes, they were probably different. He rewinds some more.

Nothing noteworthy happens until the morning of yesterday, when Hav Kerloe walks in.

...Huh. So he is around. I doubt I'll be able to find him, but maybe... Sam attempts to figure out what Hav Kerloe did in this building yesterday.

He was with another man Sam didn’t recognize, and both left with the host. Only the host returned later.

What even goes on in this building? It can't just be news, right? In any case, perhaps they were on the news to talk about whatever incident led to the closure of Kerloe Fishery, then left afterwards. So really, normal occurrences are being documented. He rewinds some more instead.

They didn’t even go that far in, Hav just entered the lobby and left with the host. It takes a full 2 days before Sam reaches the reappearance of the guy leading the mob today. He breaks in with a woman Sam doesn’t recognize and gets arrested by the police.

This was... last Sunday here, I believe? I don't know these people, but there has to be something of importance here anyway. Perhaps considering all of the chaos, at least one of these people could be found at the jail? Is it even the same one? Whatever. He rewinds some more.

Nothing of note happens again until the footage cuts out 7 days ago.

That may be all. What was Naomi even concerned about here? He checks through again to see if Naomi even shows up herself at any point.

Naomi never appears.

Nothing. Could it have been someone related to her? Who does she even know? Maybe there's at least one candidate. Sam checks through again to see if Jeff Johnner shows up at any point.

He does not.

((Saturday))

Lelouch Maoziwam started a thread. 10/18/2023 11:48 PM

((Saturday))

He does not.

Unfortunately, watching this again is starting to get a little boring. ...So, who could the client be? I suppose it could only be one of the random people who appeared. Maybe it was the guy who broke in? Of everyone, he definitely caused the most trouble, even if others were involved. I wonder why the other person was breaking it? Also, who was with Mr. Kerloe? I don't know enough about the people here to figure it out. It seems all these people were set to be relevant to those other characters, and these were the consequences of that. Maybe in that case I really shouldn't delve into it too far. The part that matters here is only getting rid of the footage, and I doubt there's much else I can gain in this area. ...Maybe I could make note of this anyway. He checks to see if there's some sort of flash drive in the room.

((Roll))

((12))

Sam finds a USB key.

He then plugs it in and checks if anything is on it. If not, he saves as much as possible, starting with the most recent footage back.

It's empty. Sam is able to save a few hours of footage, just enough to capture the most recent break in.

I suppose this works. He takes the piece of paper he had earlier and flips it over and makes some notes for the rest anyway:

6:17 PM

This probably won't serve to my benefit at all, really. I just felt like it. He leaves the room and looks for some other random room in the building and tries to enter.

As Sam leaves the room, he sees many police officers entering the building.

Oh. I wonder what purpose they could be aiming for here? Either I was seen, which is definitely fair, or they for some reason paid attention to the fact that a random door was broken down despite nobody being here at all. Or I was just set up. Either way... No, wait, this line of thinking probably isn't correct. Maybe the officers were bound to arrive the moment I left the room. It's unclear how I'm supposed to respond, then. Maybe I should just try to leave without being found. I don't know if I'm supposed to succeed at this or not. He tries to find somewhere to hide.

((Roll))

((7))

A cop quickly finds Sam. "Hey, you there! What are you doing here?"

"...Someone trapped me here, and I got lost. I was trying to escape."

"Why are you wearing a mask?"

"I was forced to."

"Take it off."

"...You do it."

"What?"

"I couldn't do it myself."

The cop goes to pull off the mask.

Did I even destroy the cameras? I was going to do that at the end. Should I go back and try anyway? Even now, I keep forgetting things I shouldn't- Wait. Does that mean I've done something I wasn't supposed to? If I was meant to destroy the cameras, then after I left the room, nobody would've actually showed up. That means that I have taken actions that were not intended. Maybe, then, I have the opportunity to do something different right now, right? He just waits there for this to happen.

The mask gets pulled off. "You're just a kid."

"And that's the problem. I told you, I've been forced into this situation."

"By who?"

"...I don't know. They had a mask like this one."

"Alright. Get out of here, kid."

"Can you take me somewhere?"

"No, I have a job to do. I'm not a taxi."

"Okay. But how do I get to the exit?"

"Just walk down to the ground floor and walk out of the door."

((Saturday))

"Just walk down to the ground floor and walk out of the door."

"Okay. Where is the ground floor?" Perhaps this part doesn't matter.

"What? It's on... The ground?"

"You said to walk down to the ground floor. I don't know where the stairs are."

"Oh, okay." They give directions to the stairs.

"Okay." Figuring this conversation has run its course, he walks down to the ground floor and walks out of the door.

The back door he originally entered through or the front door?

The front door.

Sam is now outside. There are other police searching the building.

Sam looks around to see if there is anyone he might know.

Fredrick Wight from the camera videos is waiting outside, along with other crew members.

Not anyone important. I figure they're probably just doing whatever they usually want to do. Or trying, in any case. I'm starting to realize this part of the exercise is largely pointless, even though I made a change. If I talked to Fredrick Wight, it's not like he would know me. So, what then? He just waits there to see what happens next.

The crew are eventually allowed back in. Sam is left alone outside.

Interestingly, Naomi hasn't shown up in this area yet. I'm not sure why. Maybe she just doesn't want to go around to the front? It's not exactly clear what this sequence of events implies. Perhaps I'm starting to lose sight of not only the plot I was meant to be on, but of my own goals in this sense. But I have time, don't I? He continues waiting. If nothing happens still, he re-enters the building.

Security stops him. "Who are you?"

"...Alex Zeety. Was there an incident here earlier, by any chance?"

"Yes, but it's over with. Goodbye now."

As I said, this is interesting. If nothing else happened, there's no reason that I should've been allowed to do this. Maybe I can keep waiting. "What do you do around here, anyway?"

"Get out, or we'll have to escort you out."

...I don't get it. He does leave, then just waits longer to see if anything new happens.

Nothing happens.

What will happen the moment I leave now? This makes no sense anymore. Maybe I should check if it's been long enough to cause some sort of problem. But I'm unclear on the path this could accomplish. ...I was unprepared for this situation. He makes sure to wait for some stupid amount of time like half an hour.

Naomi finally pulls up in front of him towards the end of the half hour. She looks angry.

Brilliant. I guess it didn't work out? Evidently, this is just another step of the process. "Hey."

"Get in."

This happens.

((As in he does it or))

He gets in the car.

She starts driving. "What exactly were you thinking?"

"Well, I did what was necessary, then people came in so I had to talk to them. It was a bit of a derailment, but I'm sure there was enough going on anyway."

"Did you at least destroy the cameras?"

"Yes. That was necessary." They probably have the information saved elsewhere, just like me. I don't actually get the point of that in the first place, on any level.

"Next time, put in the effort to come back to the car."

"Well, hard to do that if you get stopped by security. I was on a time limit."

"I’m getting quite tired of always having to carry you around. When are you going to grow up, Sam?"

"..." This is repetitive again.

"Do you understand how much you hurt your mother? I’ve done everything I can to raise you, but you just insist on being useless. Do you really hate me that much?"

"..."

"…You won’t even talk to me now. Is it my work? Are you upset I defend criminals? Are you somehow upset that I go through trouble to raise you, to keep you alive, to put food on your plate. Is that what upsets you, some uptight sense of morality? No… You don’t care, do you? You’re just lazy. You just… Can’t stand the idea that after every single thing I’ve done for you you’d have to do even a little bit back for me. …I can’t believe I wasted years on such a selfish person."

"..."

They arrive home. "Go to your room. I don’t want to see you again tonight."

"Thanks." He does this.

She starts crying as he leaves the car. Sam makes it to his room uninterrupted.

Sam just stays in his room and waits to see if anything else will happen for the next hour or so.

Nothing happens.

What now? Sam attempts to exit the house unless interrupted.

It’s late. He could simply sleep and avoid an inevitable fight with his mother.

((it was unclear if she ever went into the house))

She’s downstairs. "Your room. I told you."

How tiring. Doesn't seem like this trait is going to change ever, not that it matters. He does go back to his room, actually. All things considered, I doubt there is any activity I could accomplish to break anything tonight. I already did what I could against what was planned for today, and the best thing to do is to wait for the results. That's why nothing happened after I left through the front door, because nobody had any clue what to do there, including me or Ehn or anyone else. So, there's not much to say, currently. I just have to wait. Unless I'm being made to think that? I should consider this possibility, as I've always thought of multiple possibilities in the past. And I need to remember my current situation. The interesting events are elsewhere, not here, so perhaps I have to think from the perspective of a completely boring person? That's hard. What am I missing? Some factor or factors I'm currently ignoring or refusing to consider? If so, what could that be? ...I'm stuck. It's as I said. I can only wait now, and hope that what I have done will further my goals. As annoying as it is that I'm here in the first place. Talking hasn't seemed to help me. Maybe I should just not say anything to anyone unless they're the subway guy or something. Stop thinking about the many people in this town, even Mr. Kerloe and Bob Smith and so on. Which I've done a little of, but I need to pay more attention to my strategy if I'm going to do better than 'doing nothing'.

8:01 PM

Furthermore, aside from everything, I should still try to leave. The recent events have convinced me that it's possible. Perhaps I could've not stood in place for a long time, but that would be unlikely to lead to something. Still, in the end, there has to be some sequence of events which leads to me getting out of here. Or if not me, at least someone else who deserves to get out of here. ...And I'm not close to figuring out much more than yesterday. Who's really running everything? Some person has to be behind it. Not a fake cat. And either I leave, or I figure that out... In the end, I still have to try both, don't I? As much as is possible. And I've been a bit slow with this, waiting around all the time, but if there's one thing I learned from the people I talked to for that brief period of time... doing nothing, even in a place of devoid of anything interesting, won't be any good for me or anyone else. I may wait for the outcome of today's actions tomorrow morning, but after that, I'll have to find a way to some sort of result, and soon. ... ... ... It's hard to sleep in these circumstances. ...Waiting like this isn't easy. At least on previous nights, either everything was fine, or I knew exactly what to do the next day. I'm stuck with abstract goals this time. Have I had days like this before? Maybe I just don't remember them well enough in comparison to everything recently. Another side effect of all these issues associated with the 'narrative'. At the same time... I'm starting to think I don't wish I was in the situation I was in for however long it was before all of this started. Perhaps, even despite everything, I'm doing better than where I started. But based on our conversations, the truth is obvious; all of that was because I defied the path I was meant to take. If I did that, I'd undoubtedly be worse off.

8:02 PM

What am I saying? I already know all of this. I was right. The end. I just need to let these next few hours pass... ...Did I ever finish that last homework assignment? What sort of game would I have made if I had the chance? These questions comes to mind for some reason. Events which feel like quite a while ago, but are still actually in my memory, rather than the parts that aren't... But I can't stand to think that the parts I don't remember stopped being real. At the end of everything, I'm still the same person. A strange situation, isn't it? I wish I could just think about other people instead right now. Yet I don't feel like it. So I'm stuck in my own thoughts, as I've been in the past. ...I can't dwell too long. I might if I was in a better situation, but as is, thinking literally everything over would take too long. The issues that matter are left for me to decide tomorrow, and I should be ready to act early on that. So then... ... Sam likely struggles to sleep for an irrelevant lengthy amount of time before actually sleeping.

((End chapter))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

Finale: Advehnt Guard

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Sam woke up in his bed the next morning.

Okay. He goes downstairs.

Naomi doesn't even acknowledge him as she makes herself breakfast.

He leaves through the door unless stopped.

"I haven't given up on you yet." She weakly calls out as Sam leaves.

"...You won't need to." He first heads to the school, checking to see if anything's changed since yesterday.

They’re still doing the praise Lelouch routine.

Incredible. There's even less going on here than I thought. Of course, I doubt there's much to see here. It's not like it was too much different before I left. Let's continue. Sam next returns to the destroyed Kerloe Fishery to see if there's anything new there.

"Sam!" Sophie calls out to him as he leaves.

He stops and sighs. "Yes?" What does she want me to do now? Actually, that's not it. What does Ehn want me to do by having her show up here? She doesn't even have a reason to come back to the school in the first place. Not like Lelouch is here. I doubt finding her would do me any good now anyway. The time window for that being useful passed.

"I came looking for you." She sighs. "For some reason, I can’t… Seem to stop thinking about you. So I’ve been thinking about your problem. I think I know how to solve it."

"...Yeah, I wonder about that as well. The first one, I mean." This isn't a question I have the answer to either. I'm just not getting involved in things. Isn't that better for you? "Anyway, sure. Go on."

"Well… I think we could get her arrested."

"...We could. But it seems like a waste of time. She's not even doing anything relevant anymore. She wasn't feeling like trying this morning, from the looks of it."

"But that doesn’t mean she’s fully stopped forever. Just give me a chance." Naturally, Sam can’t refuse.

"Of course. I'm just saying." He says this.

"She’s a lawyer, so we’d probably be screwed if we tried normally. But if you say everything she’s done wrong on TV, on my father's program… She won’t be able to escape the court of public opinion."

"...That news program, huh? Well, maybe. But that's a problem, isn't it? I don't know what she's done wrong. The issue is largely that she tries to do much, not that she does anything blatantly wrong."

"She’s a lawyer. Those types always do tons of crimes."

"Yes, but can it be proven?"

"It doesn’t have to be yet. That’s the point of TV."

"Sure, but you still need a theory or something. I don't even have those. Haven't really been paying attention to what she's been up to."

"Oh. You’re sure you’ve never seen her involved with a crime?"

"Hm..." Sam actually bothers thinking about this. "Seen, no. She's always just hung around the police as far as I remember, but most of the random groups she's with are the same anyway. I heard from someone she had mafia connections. Dubious information, but that's something, isn't it? But I couldn't tell you where or how." This is largely pointless. I really need to figure out what's the best option.

"Who? Tell me!"

"Connections to who in the mafia? Do you think I know anyone there? There was this guy who was related to everything named Jeff Johnner, but I'm clueless on his affiliation. I also saw someone with Naomi on some video footage, but I couldn't tell you their name or if they matter."

"I meant who told you?"

"...A talking cat that only some people have been able to see or hear. You know, the reason all of this started the first place. ...There isn't really much point in telling you because of that, but since you asked, it was also the one that told me to go to the house with Jackson Day in the first place." This is all said as if it is obvious.

"…Oh." She pauses. "What about… When you broke into the studio yesterday?"

"No, that was because of Naomi. Said she wanted to destroy evidence or something. But I probably never did that. How did you know about that?"

"You were… On camera? Unmasked? Dad asked if I recognized you because you looked like the same age as me. I lied… But if she told you to destroy evidence, then that is a crime you can use against her!"

"Well, yes, but I was wondering why your parents let you have access to that information to begin with. Figured they wouldn't care enough. In any case, it would probably be more of a crime if I actually went through with it."

"Well… Her involvement is just like conspiracy to commit or something right? Probably something about blackmail or extortion too."

"Blackmail? Unlikely, hard to commit against your own child. Extortion? Of who? I can believe a conspiracy, though, seems much more practical. Wouldn't be surprised if all of this is much larger than her, though. Maybe your father was involved, too. Could consider turning me in, then I turn her in. You know, like a plea bargain. It's unclear how much anything goes."

"Just let me try this okay? Let me do this for you."

"Sure. Just don't get yourself in trouble in the process."

"So you’ll come on the show?"

"Is there one? After that whole commotion, are they really doing anything this soon after? I'm willing to, obviously. Might give me a way to do something else, too."

"It’s the news. They’re always on and in need of stuff."

"Fair enough. I've never bothered to check."

"Come on, let’s go and explain the situation to my dad."

"...Will this have negative repercussions for you?" He follows in whatever direction is applicable anyway.

"…Not if we can convince him. Hopefully." She walks towards FNN. "…Do you think we’re friends?" She asks suddenly.

"I doubt we can. Anyway, I don't really consider myself friends with anyone. Barring unusual circumstances, I don't handle it well anyway, and I don't like getting others involved in my problems. Even though people have tried to do that before. I don't get it. It's better to do what you can outside of those problems rather than do something you'll regret trying to fix them."

"…Oh, I see. I guess I’d say the same."

"Well, the difference is that I don't take as many substantial actions. I don't usually swing chairs at people."

"…Well, maybe you should if people are bothering you so much."

"...Not worth it. I don't want them to swing back harder."

"Then just swing better when you do it."

"I think I prefer words."

"Yeah, like Lelouch or Kite are going to engage in your arguments. Some people just don’t want to listen. They don’t get a choice with the chair."

"Those people are better to ignore so you don't get in trouble with school staff or whatever. In both of those cases, I was looking to get information out of someone else there. Actually, in Lelouch's case, I was also looking to get information out of her until you showed up. But it's fine. My point is, it's not exactly a solution serving to your own long-term benefit."

"They come after me! I can’t just ignore my problems forever!"

"Well, I had people come after me and it doesn't seem like they're here right now. Talked things out with them to make that happen, among other things. Hitting them with a chair also doesn't seem to make them trying. Though, in regards to your situation, Lelouch doesn't really seem to care these days more so whatever boring action she took against the entire school, and I couldn't call Kite last time I tried, so maybe he's not around either."

((End session))

((Saturday))

"If only I could be so lucky."

"I suppose they're just theories in the end. But never making any assumptions in my favor hasn't exactly worked out for me."

"I have barely any idea what happened to you and even I can tell that sounds like obvious nonsense. Confirmation bias."

"Well, would you like to hear about it?"

"...I don't really care about your life story, Sam." They arrive at FNN headquarters.

"Fair enough. I can't say it actually matters. ...Where do we go now?"

"Follow me." Security lets them through without question as she goes up a set of stairs.

He does follow, uninterestingly.

She leads him to a door and knocks on it. "...Dad?"

...Didn't I ask about this once? Whatever her parents were like. I guess there's some answer here. I shouldn't be concerned about this question necessarily, but... "..." He sort of just waits there and doesn't say anything.

This guy exits the office. "Hm? Sophie? What are you doing here?"

"..." This guy runs this show? I guess it makes some sense. Not judging anyone based on what they wear, though.

"We need you to run a special on-" Sophie. "Woah... Are you ordering me around here?" Fredrick. "O-Oh..." Sophie. "Kidding. What's the matter, kid?" Fredrick.

Better to be making a joke than not, I suppose? That's never been my thing because I can't say I ever really understood it. But who knows what's really going on here. He still doesn't say anything yet.

"This is my..." She looks at Sam cautiously. "...Acquaintance." Fredrick chuckles. "His mother is a criminal and need to be stopped so he can be free." Sophie.

"...Debatable, but more or less." This is said in response to some ambiguous combination of the previous statements. "In any case, I figured you were curious about what was going on yesterday. This and that are connected. Things tend to be connected around here, after all."

"Ah... So it's about that. And here I thought you'd turned my daughter into some kind of charity." Fredrick. "I'm helping him too, dad." Sophie, embarrassedly. "Sheesh, throwing away compliments now." Fredrick.

"...Not really. Sophie's helping, otherwise I wouldn't have made it here. But it's ultimately just about information, as it comes to you. It's something I care about. I'm sure you do as well."

"You scratch my back, I scratch yours sort of thing? Hurray for capitalism." Fredrick. "Can you just listen to him tell his story?" Sophie. "...What's your name?" Fredrick. (edited)

"Maybe? Honestly, there isn't much information I'd consider useful to me at this point. It's merely curiosity more than anything in this context, and so that I have some way of killing time. In a sense." "Anyway, for the sake of this discussion and whatever logistics exist and so on, my name is Alex."

"What? No it's not. There's no point in lying, you're telling him about your mom. How is he not supposed to know who you are?" Sophie. "Did you 2 not talk out strategy yet?" Fredrick.

"Telling him - let alone anyone - isn't exactly beneficial to me until it's more relevant. Details like my actual name can be revealed later." "...There isn't really any actual strategy to this. It's not a nonsense plot of any sort, anyway."

"Well, you need to actually tell him who it is you're talking about, at least. He can't help without actual names." Sophie.

"That's practically the equivalent of giving away the answer, considering what we've already discussed. But sure, it's not like we're getting anywhere else. Apparently, the concern here is about some woman named Naomi Kidink. Figure out what you will from that."

He pauses, thinking it over. "Grobber Brentwood's lawyer?" "...Maybe?" Sophie.

...Was that her client? Maybe it's also the guy who, well, broke into this place before. That would make some sense. "Probably."

"Always down to fuck with the man who ruined your sister." Fredrick smirks. "I imagine you came here because she's a lawyer, right? Thought you'd outsmart the legal system?"

"...Not quite. At least, not from my point of view. If it were entirely up to me, I'd pick entirely different methods. Still, it's an interesting approach, and I can't claim to be able to stand all those rules everywhere."

"You really love complaining, don't you kid?" Fredrick chuckles. "You'd make a good career as a news host." "Please don't." Sophie whispers.

"The vote of unconfidence isn't needed." He whispers this back. "Only sometimes. Usually I prefer to just walk around and not say anything. Perhaps it'd be a good career for me when or if I'm 40? Not soon, though."

"Regardless, these are crimes you're accusing her of... Right?" Fredrick. (edited)

"Not sure exactly what 'these' entails, but she is being accused of one or more things, yes."

"Great." He nods. "Get yourself ready, I'll try to pass you in around an hour from now."

"Works for me." What do I do here for the hour, anyway? I could think about what I want to say, but I've hardly ever planned anything I say. I'll think about it a little, but not much.

Fredrick leaves. Sophie watches him leave silently.

After Fredrick leaves, Sam looks around. "...Is there anything at all in that room?" (edited)

"His office?"

"Yes."

"It’s an office. I don’t remember anything specific. I don’t like being in that room."

"Okay." He sort of just stands there afterwards.

"Do you want to just do nothing and wait then?"

"Probably? There's not much to do here or anywhere else in an hour. This place is reasonable enough to stay at considering the circumstances."

"Oh… Okay."

"If you want to go somewhere else, you can. I just don't see the point."

"…I’ll stay with you, I think."

"...Alright."

"…"

"...Are we going to talk about anything ever? I mean, most of our past few conversations have just been about the plot. A bunch of actions that just happen and not much else. Like, I get why this is happening and because of what, but you could tell me something about matters that aren't just this entire news sequence. Or I could tell you something." "...Think about it. Or we can just continue to do nothing."

"Like what? What am I supposed to tell you to satisfy you?"

"What you've been up to the past few days, I guess. After being in a coma. Things like that. Things that aren't really 'relevant'."

"I don’t know what a 'plot' is… I woke up, found out my long lost sister was murdered, and then ran into you."

"Well, I meant what happened between after that and now, but more or less. ...But do you know who killed her?"

"That Grobber guy… He accused someone named Carolyn on tv yesterday."

"...Never heard of her. Was that what Grobber was up to breaking into this place?"

"….Something like that. My dad offered him an interview and it went badly. You can find the whole thing online."

"...I can't exactly check. I don't have any devices on me. Though, I don't know how much I would get out of that to begin with. Do you know where either of them are? Maybe that's an option instead of standing around for an hour."

"Either of who are?"

"Grobber and Carolyn?"

"I have no idea who this 'Carolyn' even is."

"Oh."

"Yeah... Sorry."

"...Don't apologize to me for things which matter more to you than to me." He continues to not really do anything after that.

((Saturday))

"Then what does matter to you?"

"It still matters. Just not as much."

"That’s not really an answer, but okay."

"I'm not sure what matters to me in this city, if that's a better answer. Most of it wasn't my own decision, after all. The decisions I did make were all outside here."

"…Could you show me, then? What does matter to you? When we’re done with this, I mean."

"...Well, if you want me to point you in the direction of leaving Avengard, then yes. I doubt I'd be allowed to, but that option should be open to you."

"I don’t… Make my own choices, Sam."

"...I suppose. But is making your own choices really any more free if some force always exists to stop you?"

"Some force?"

"There's always someone getting in the way of your plans. Sometimes just one person behind it all, sometimes just different people causing different problems. Granted, a world where one person just gets everything they want is an incredibly boring one, but shouldn't people be allowed to do at least something without being made to return to whatever they want?"

"Isn’t that just… Life?"

"Maybe only because someone or something is forcing it to be the case. I doubt all the people in the city just going about their lives have it as bad."

"It just… Sort of sounds like you have depression. Not that I’m judging you."

"...Well, Naomi has speculated I've had all sorts of conditions. Who knows which one is the truth? But I probably haven't considered figuring out the answer. What about you?"

"I’m normal, Sam."

"Works for me."

A staff member approaches them. "You’re on in 5. Come with us."

"...Well, let's see what happens." Sam follows.

Sophie follows as well. They arrive on the set for the show. Fredrick is currently talking about something on camera.

He listens in.

"The Fungus is a danger to the people. He’s no longer just a joke, ladies and gentlemen. We need to call on our governments to put a stop to this threat." Fredrick. "You owe me, Sam. Okay?" Sophie.

"...If it's about what you were asking after this, then consider that the plan."

"Anyway, onto our new guest for today’s show…" Fredrick. Sam is rushed into a chair opposite Fredrick.

Sam does indeed sit in the chair he is rushed into.

"Why don’t you introduce yourself." Fredrick.

"...I'm a person who has information on a topic of today's show. My name doesn't matter as much, honestly. You can call me Alex Zeety. Or Sam, I guess, if that's easier for you, as a favor."

"You have damming information on The Fungus’s lawyer, is that right?"

"...I have information which could be of interest concerning this matter."

"And what would that be?" There’s a noise outside the room.

"Well, there's a lot I could say. Despite this, there is an important question of whether I will say this. I've been considering my options for a little while, making statements that hypothetically change outcomes but most likely won't. After all, what if saying anything at all in any circumstance is just a problem, a trap for someone to fall into? What if something that is done never works? In those case, I'll provide some helpful advice for anyone out there watching this: it's okay. Just go about your life, and do whatever actions suit you. How the outcome changes is still up to you in some way. Unfortunately, as the amount of time we have is questionable, I'm not going to spend too long making points." "So, let's see. I was hired just yesterday by that lawyer to break into this building and cause problems. Not for any pay, mind you. You could say I was actualy forced into this. Not to mention her appearance on camera in this building prior. You can piece together the remaining details, right?"

"Of course, of cour-" Fredrick is interrupted by Lelouch and Jade bursting in with costumes. ((Pause session sorry))

Advehnt Guard

ehn-pc

12: Consequences

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / lelouch-and-sam

"Ugh. Of course a man is being interviewed when there's a perfectly more impressive woman on the sidelines." She's referring to Sophie ❤️ "Cutie, who should we spray first, the crew, or the host? I say crew, gives us better control over the cameras so we can take the spotlight off the patriarchy." She asks this to Jade. (edited)

Sophie runs over to Sam. "Fuck, why is she here?" "Sorry folks, we’ve got an interruption." The host. Jade sprays the staff that try to force them out of the room. "If you say so." She smiles.

"Now, we should spray the host and...uh...the dude..." All men look the same to Lelouch because they're all boring and contributing to the problems of society. (edited)

"…Sam?" Jade.

"Yeah, him."

Sam talks to Sophie. "I don't know, maybe they broke in? This sort of thing happens all the time. It's probably for unrelated reasons." "Hey, why are you here, anyway?" He asks this to Lelouch. "If it's Sophie you're looking for, the situation is probably Naomi's fault, just saying." He says these things entirely neutrally. "If you want the cameras, go ahead. I'm just here for the entertainment."

5:07 PM

I wonder, in the short time I've known her, Lelouch caring so much about this argument, perhaps there's something else I can do... "Oh, and, what do you think proves I'm a 'dude' in the first place?" He makes this comment separately.

"Sam, we need to get the hell away from these people." Sophie. "Cut the cameras. We’ll need them again soon." Jade tells the crew this as she steps onto the set with her perfume at the ready. "What the hell is going on?" The host.

"Okay, fine, let's go. Where to?" He responds to Sophie, then looks for some exit. He also talks briefly to the host. "Figure it out for yourself." I don't think there's much interest in him saying more. Plus, what's he going to do anyway? Stop things from happening? Maybe it'd be better if he was out of the picture the way things are now. I'm used to these bizarre occurrences now.

"Oh, we're here for the cameras. But I don't like you're attitude." She just doesn't like men. "Jade, can you have the crew restrain them? Everyone but Sophie. She's too beautiful to be restrained."

Jade sprays all 3 of them. "Gotcha." She smirked. "…That didn’t do anything?" Sophie. "Whoa, I- Uh… Hm. You’re an adult right?" Fredrick, very disturbed. "What the fuck!?" Sophie.

"I'm asking a genuine question. You can't make assumptions of people, that's just less interesting." Sam explains that he is asking a genuine question.

Lelouch doesn't believe men can be genuine. "It didn't work? That's annoying."

I should make sure my own logic is consistent. The best way to make this situation more interesting is to make sure important questions are asked here. I believe important questions outside of the status of Naomi Kidink consist of what people's motives are in this situation, as I don't believe this was at all related to Sophie to begin with. Thus, to neutralize everything, this is definitely the best course of action. "The plot demands you give a different answer, clearly."

"Why does it only work on the creep? Ugh, this is the problem with dealing with men. They don’t deserve your utopia, miss Lelouch. All they care about is our bodies. Host, take them into some other room and hold them there. I don’t want to look at you." Jade. "That’s a yes though, right? I mean I’m all for personal freedom but it’d personally feel… Y’know, icky if-" Fredrick attempts to drag out Sam and his daughter as he talks. "This is the worst moment of my life!" Sophie facepalms.

Ugh, fine. This isn't going anywhere, and clearly Fredrick was still affected by this. My memory of the school occurrences is hazy, but I should probably repay whatever attempt was made that point, right? That much I'm clear on. Is Sam in some position to access his belongings?

He can.

He takes out the fish and eats it, then tries to break himself and Sophie out of Fredrick's grasp. "I hate necessary actions."

((Roll))

((14))

Sam easily breaks the 2 of them out. "That was… Weirdly cool." Sophie looks at him lovingly. It’s weird.

"I remember now." He explains this to Sophie. "'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' Right? I don't think it was cool at all, personally. Definitely not interesting, but this is the lesser of two evils, unfortunately, so the story demands it." "...Are you happy now, Ehn?" Said to no one. He grabs Sophie and tries to leave afterwards through whatever exit is applicable.

Sophie follows. ((Channel split))

Advehnt Guard

Avengard / sam-kidink

Like Sophie said, it didn’t do anything.

Sam and Sophie escape the room.

"Okay, now that we're here, what now? I hope you agree running was the best course of action, but now I'm stuck on what to do. It's not exactly a situation where we can just go about doing normal activities. Do you know what the spray bottle does? I haven't thought about the time at school much yet, but I remember trying to spray Naomi did nothing." (edited)

"It seems to be making my dad horny for that psycho, I don’t want to think about it anymore than that. Hopefully you can understand why? We need to get out of here, and probably call the police or something."

"...I can understand why, yes. Let's go. You know the way out, right?" Is it about love or obsession, then? Lelouch seems to care about that more than I thought initially. Reminds me of how the drama in the other town went down. Definitely the most annoying part to deal with of all that.

Sophie goes into an elevator. "The stairs are technically faster but if I need you to bail me out again, I’d rather not do it when it could make me fall to my death."

"I don't imagine much could happen on the stairs considering everyone's inside the building, but sure. Let's go." He enters the elevator.

She presses the ground door button. The doors close claustrophobically. "…I’m sorry."

"What for?"

"I was trying to help you and I fucked it up, I guess."

"...How so? Because Lelouch and Jade broke through due to whatever nonsense plot they were working on themselves? Whatever they needed the cameras for is probably a different matter. Sometimes people will do annoying things, and I'm not entirely convinced the vast majority of actions I could take wouldn't be obstructed in some way. Wouldn't say you're at fault for whatever this is."

"I guess. I don’t know… I’m just… Disappointed. Like some secret last shred of hope that things might get better just shrivelled and died. That’s probably why I helped you. I don’t care at all about you, Sam."

"Well, they clearly didn't get better. I can't say I was expecting much to get better, as much as I appreciated the attempt." "Sometimes I'm not sure if care exists, anyway. Why would someone take an important action without thinking through the different outcomes it could lead to? The different problems which could result from it? Questions like that."

"We’re not all human calculators. Sometimes we do stupid irrational things."

"You think so?"

"I know so. I’m a fucking idiot, Sam. I don’t do anything I have to think through and then I complain or blame the world when things don’t go my way."

"Then why only sometimes? Some days, I wish I could just go about things without thinking and live like that. But I think my circumstances demand me to think about things. Not even to my benefit, necessarily. But it still doesn't work because there's something I haven't considered or, more often, I'm simply not allowed the options I think of." "There has to be a solution somewhere, some way for it to work out. I don't know where."

"Do you not have emotions?"

"I do? There's probably some way for me to be happy. I often feel tired and annoyed. I used to appreciate some moments, like going to Kerloe Fishery. When I could in past weeks, anyway."

"…What about love? I understand if you don’t love your mother, obviously. I just mean… Ugh. Does anyone actually matter to you like that?"

"...What do you think?"

"What do you mean, what do I think?"

"What do you think my answer is to that question?"

"How would I know? That’s why I asked!"

"Intuition, maybe? I just couldn't give you an answer because I don't know what love would constitute to begin with. I think you matter? Maybe other people to a lesser degree, but probably not? Does that sort of 'care' count?"

"I matter? I can’t tell if that’s heartwarming or really creepy."

"I have no idea. I can't figure out how to explain this, sorry."

"You’re really confusing."

"I get that a lot. How would you answer the question yourself?"

"I think… I loved my sister. Back when I knew her. That’s how siblings are, right?"

"...Good answer. I would hope you got along with her."

"I don’t really remember that well."

"Well, do you remember what sorts of things you two did?"

"Whatever my dad asked for, basically."

"Did you enjoy some of it?"

"…Not really."

"Did you have times where you just talked without doing much of anything?"

"Yeah? Who doesn’t?"

"I don't know, some people don't ever seem to talk to anyone. But maybe doing nothing is itself meaningful sometimes."

"It sounds like the definition of meaningless."

"It helps everything else stand out more. With all that's happened recently, unusual problems in the past are just... what's expected now. And that makes everything worse."

"So, what…? Do you just want the boring domestic lifestyle?"

"Of course not. But it might be nice on occasion."

"Then what do you want? What kind of life would satisfy you?"

"Well, I like when things occur, right? Most of the time, I believe things should occur. Otherwise, what's the point in doing any of it? But 'things' isn't very specific. I think there's a lot of possible things I like. Getting to know people in circumstances where you're doing anything. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's finding something dumb, I don't know. But the thing about all of those is that they're everyday activities. They don't result in people dying, and they don't result in people's lives being ruined. They don't result in drastic changes like this. That's enough freedom for me, really. To just be able to do that. Maybe it's about things which don't carry so much weight."

"People die every day, Sam."

"Unfortunately. But you still wouldn't want it to happen to you or people you care about, right?"

"It’s not like I can control it."

"That's why it's good to try and do what you can outside of it."

"…I really don’t understand you." Sophie. The elevator doors open. Fredrick is on the other side.

"Fair enough. Anyway, this seems like a problem. Do we really have to do this again?"

Fredrick gets hit in the back of the head with a piece of wood, a marginally less useful weapon than a chair. Naomi drops the wood. "Sam. Are you trying to incriminate your own mother now?"

"...Don't you think it's possible I was dragged here and told to say this? Do you have that little faith? There's a lot going on in this building. It goes without saying that Frederick over here figured out I was there."

"And how could that possibly have happened?" Naomi. Sophie grabs Sam's arm and tries to run out of the building.

"I don't know. That's what he told me. Get information out of him, he's unconscious on the ground. Thankfully." In any case, Sam follow Sophie running after that.

"Sam! Get back here!" Naomi tries to follow them. Sophie runs towards the bridge out of Avengard.

...This won't work. But... I guess I'll go with it. He follows towards the bridge out of Avengard.

"We have to get as far away from Lelouch as possible." Sophie. Naomi stops following them.

"Well, as reasonable as that is, in the worst case, Naomi and Lelouch team up and find both of us out here."

"Isn’t she immune to that perfume?"

...Is that possible? But why her specifically? I can't see that being the case. ...This feels like the first time anyone who doesn't have an object has understood that those objects do something. Besides Jeff Johnner, I guess, but he didn't really think about it. "I don't think so, we probably just used it wrong somehow. ...I meant that they could work together without Lelouch using it."

"Why would any living person work with Lelouch?" Sophie.

"Mutual benefit, perhaps? Naomi gets me back because men shouldn't be allowed to have free will or whatever ideology Lelouch was spouting earlier. Lelouch grabs you and Naomi approves because we're in the same area."

"That’s really stupid. I doubt your mother doesn’t want you to have free will, or that she’d go along with that sort of system."

"...Are you sure? I guess it's not really her fault, true. But she still wants me to come back, considering she has my location being tracked. I'm just explaining how Lelouch could rationalize following along with that." For the sake of argument, he eats the fish and tries to remove or at least break the relevant device.

((Roll))

((16))

Sam tears off the device. "…Good sign, right?" They reach the bridge.

"...I guess so? I'm surprised that worked at all."

Naomi pulls up in a car, blocking their way. "Samuel Kidink. Are you incapable of learning your lesson!?"

"Probably." He says this.

"Sam? Is it time for another cool moment?" Sophie. "This is getting so tiring." Naomi.

"You should be tired. I'm as tired as you." "Sophie, we can't punch our way through a car, probably, unless you know anything about how these work. We could also run in the other direction, but I guess that would be boring."

"Just get in the car and stop fighting, Sam. I’m your mother. I’m trying to help you." Naomi. "We could go over. Can’t you toss me or something?" Sophie whispers.

"She'll follow anyway." He nevertheless does eat the fish and toss Sophie over, then follows. Assuming all of this is possible.

((Roll))

((1))

Sam accidentally tosses Sophie directly in front of Naomi. "Are you blind!?" Naomi sighs, and grabs Sophie by the back of her clothes. "Sam, please be rational. Put the magic fish away and get in the car."

He shrugs and tries to break the car anyway after that doesn't work. "I wonder what's the problem here."

"Sam…" Naomi pulls out a gun and aims it at Sophie’s head. "Grow up and get in the car or I will kill your friend." Sophie stares at it in shock.

"This seems reasonable. Anyway, I told you." He comments on this and opens the door, but doesn't get in yet.

"Sam… Sam please don’t let me die… Sam, please…" Sophie is panicking. "Have I taught you anything?" Naomi.

((Saturday))

He stands there briefly. I wonder what the best course of action is in this situation. Realistically speaking, now is not the time to be thinking of anything. For some reason, this moment is what makes me consider things, though. What does getting in the car have to do with getting older at all? Why would Ehn want this, if I were to assume her intended 'story' was pushing me in the direction of leaving the building at least. Maybe it's about leaving the building but not the entire structure. Or maybe it was for the specific point of making things worse, which is something she once suggested, but that doesn't appear to be the whole story. This is what I think: Sophie is clearly in shock. If I just get in the car, nothing's actually stopping Naomi from shooting her anyway at some point to fix what she perceives as the issue. I'm well enough aware of how these things work. Therefore, the best course of action is to stop this. ...Have I learned anything? Probably not. He eats the fish and tries to disarm Naomi at this point.

((Roll))

((19))

Sam easily disarms Naomi. "Did you seriously think I was going to shoot a child and you still tried brute force? I’m not a psychopath, Sam. But you’re supposed to take this sort of situation seriously. I was testing your priorities, and you’ve apparently decided you’re a cartoon hero who can have both."

"Brute force was still the best option in this case. It's about risk, you know? The last time I disarmed someone, he still came back eventually and tried to shoot again. Who knows? You could've shot if you wanted to, whether I got in the car or not." "It's not about what I thought. Things don't work that way, apparently. You can do something many times and it's not just you who will repeat the same thing over and over. It's everyone else, too. We're all repeating the same things over and over, whether because we want to or someone else wants us to. And I can't say I like that." "You know what separates those cartoon heroes from this situation? They're able to stop the problem from occurring again. Say I shot you, for example. You'd probably just come back after long enough. I'm not even sure I'd blame you. So then..." Sam puts the gun to his head. "Leave now. Or I'm going to shoot. So, will you prioritize my well-being?"

"You’re threatening to kill your mother? What the fuck is wrong with you?" Naomi. "Sam, isn’t… Isn’t this a bit much?" Sophie.

"I'm not threatening to kill you, Naomi. I wouldn't kill another person. But considering everything I've learned, there's only one way out of this."

"You just have to get in the car." Naomi.

"Incorrect. It would just lead to the same sequence of events as before, and we'd be back in a similar situation to this one eventually. You should know this. If you're not going to go, then I'm going."

"Because of you, Sam." Naomi. Sophie gets up and runs over to Sam.

"Me? I haven't done anything to keep us stuck here. Let alone anyone else." He does not react to Sophie running over.

"You’re refusing to get in the car. This wouldn’t be a big problem if you just got in." Naomi.

"Oh, and who went out of their way to drive out here in the first place instead of just staying at your house? You were doing that earlier, so why now? It's not about the result, but the cause."

"I was in court, while you tried to have me arrested! And now I’m trying to pick up my son, who is you." Naomi.

"I already established it wasn't my idea. I broke out of having to deal with that interview, considering I escaped. I solved the problem. And what, do all children stay in the same house as their parents until they die? I would imagine not."

"You are 16! And that’s not even accounting for how childish you are inside." Naomi.

"You were the one telling me to go find a job and set myself up for a living. It's not about how old one is. It's about setting up for the future and when. Not that I would've had one either way, of course."

"What’s your plan then? To keep living in some perfect fantasy like a baby?" Naomi.

"Well, to shoot, of course. But if you do end up leaving, I'm just going to return to my previous plan. Go somewhere else and make an attempt at some normal life. Again."

"You had a normal life here, Sam. Now you refuse to go back to it." Naomi.

"Getting thrown in a cell, getting kidnapped multiple times, and getting shot at multiple times cannot possibly count as normal, if I'm not mistaken. I'd take just seeing a bunch of people in dinosaur costume pass through a park any day over those. But of course, you didn't realize most of this happened until it was too late, right?"

"How is that my fault!?" Naomi.

"Maybe you should've picked a different path besides being involved with people like that? I don't think those circumstances are conducive to anything. Should've done more good from the start."

"…Sam, I don’t think you can win this. Let’s just use her to get out of town." Sophie whispers. "You’re so deeply selfish. How did I screw you up? Tell me. What could I possibly have done that was this bad?" Naomi.

"...It's just like organized crime, really. You're right, there's no single action you've taken that's been terrible. If there was, then everything would've imploded on itself already. But we can't have that. It's about how this adds up over time." Sam sighs and whispers back to Sophie. "How? What do you have in mind?"

"Why not just get in the car? What’s the point of delaying the inevitable?" Sophie.

"And what then? How will that get us out of town?"

"Don’t you live in Shelk? If she’s taking you home, there’s at least that." Sophie.

"They're the same. I'm not going to either if I can help it."

"Then where would you go? She’s right. We can’t just run forever." Sophie.

"I know at least one place outside of this town. The problem is making sure it's possible to stay there. If we're stuck here, then I'm going to make sure she leaves first."

"…Can I stay with you?" Sophie. "I’m waiting, Sam." Naomi.

"We still have to figure out how to get there." To Sophie. "The way things are, she's probably just going to run us over later or something."

"But I can stay, right?" Sophie.

"...I hope so."

"…I have an idea, then. Can you steal her car keys?" Sophie. "Hello…?" Naomi.

"How would I do that right now?" Does he even know where they are?

((Roll))

((17))

They're probably in Naomi's pockets if they're not still in the car. It's not like she's holding anything else.

"Maybe it'd be good to check the car. If not there, Naomi probably just has them still." He tells Sophie this.

"Can you search her pockets somehow? I'll get in the car while you distract her." Sophie.

"...Sure."

Harriet Kadin started a thread. 1/6/2024 6:32 PM

((Saturday))

...As I suspected, no sequence of events will allow other people to encourage my own demise. That's just how this 'game' works, in some sense. So while I'm putting myself in this situation, it's unclear if anything else can happen. ...That aside, how am I supposed to approach distracting Naomi, actually? There's no way I can do the searching myself, there's nothing I can do to force such an outcome. "...Naomi. Are the car keys in your pockets?"

"Why would I tell you that, Sam?" Naomi.

"I don't know, I figured my imminent death might be somehow motivating, but I wasn't sure."

"Why would you die? Wait… Sam. Are you threatening to kill yourself over this?" Naomi looks dumbfounded.

"Wh- Maybe. ...What do you think?"

"I thought you were some kind of psychopath, but now I'm forced to wonder if you're just stupid." Naomi. "It's probably both." Sophie whispers.

"It's probably both." Sam says this out loud.

"It's fine, some of my best friends are both." Sophie. "Sam, just please be normal and put the gun down." Naomi.

"Works for me." To Sophie. "I'm not putting the gun down for any purpose." To Naomi.

"Does this really matter so much to you?" Naomi.

"Why wouldn't it? This is perfectly normal."

"It is the exact opposite." Naomi.

"There is no 'opposite' to normal. Perhaps besides being interesting, but I'd rather be an observer to that rather than directly involved in that. Unfortunately, this isn't a particularly interesting situation. Therefore, this is normal."

"The opposite of normal is abnormal, it's a word that exists, Sam." Naomi.

"Just because it's a word that exists doesn't make it have a clear definition at all. I mean, is there really a point in something defined only by existing in relation or as the opposite of another word? It doesn't mean anything. That's the problem."

"Stop acting like an imbecile, Sam." Naomi.

"You didn't even respond to my important point."

"Because you don't have one. You're just desperate to sound smarter than you are, like you always do." Naomi.

"Since when have I done that? I've just been trying to help, whether it's saying something important or trying to do something useful. But unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much of that. So we're here now."

"You've never done anything for anyone except yourself." Naomi.

"Well, of course. I'm always doing things for myself. Sometimes other people benefit from it. Does that suit you?"

"No. I've spent my whole life looking after you. I don't want you to throw away what I've done." Naomi.

"Consider the possibility that what I'm doing right now could be a service to you, really."

2:52 PM

"It's probably better for us not to know each other."

"How do you figure that?" Naomi.

"...Take a look at the current situation. Don't you think things have spiraled out of control a lot? Realistically, since like two weeks ago or so, there's been lots of problems, and it's hard to say in some grand scheme of living life normally over the course of time that any of this should've happened at all. Some factor destabilized all of this, and that's the real problem. If we didn't know each other, this wouldn't be a problem for you, if nothing else. You see? This is entirely helpful."

"Sam, they would’ve killed you if it weren’t for me. I risked my life to save you, and now it’s all over and you’re safe. Why do you refuse to accept the things I do for you?" Naomi.

"That's not the problem. ...You just need to think about the possibilities. Why is this happening now? Why didn't any of these events take place two weeks ago? Four weeks ago? Two weeks in the future? It's an absurd coincidence that I was under attack now. It's also an absurd coincidence that I survived up to this point. Why were you there specifically? What did the Sentasaurus have to do with this, why did he show up randomly, and why did he show up then right before things started, even if he wasn't the reason behind it? There are no coincidences here. It's not about you, it's not about him, it's not about any of us. It's someone else."

"Have you lost your fucking mind!?" Naomi facepalms. "Yes, it truly is absurd that something happened and then it had consequences. Things can happen at any moment so it’s an absurd coincidence that it happened at a moment with no other particular significance. Great goddamn deduction, Sherlock Kidink. Would you like a medal for pointing out that sometimes life is chaotic?"

"You're not getting it at all? If you put yourself in a situation where nothing happens, then it should be the case that nothing happens. Unfortunately, there are people who insist on things happening. There are so many people in this city and in other cities. Their lives aren't anywhere near this chaotic. You say life is chaotic, but isn't that the real problem?"

"If you hate how life works so much, is that why you’re trying to kill yourself?" Naomi. (edited)

"Assuming I'm trying to, then yes, that would be why."

"What do you mean assuming? Either you’re trying to or you’re not. Stop being obtuse." Naomi. "Wait, is this what you thought I meant by distracting? I thought you were going to fight her or something. How can I sneak past her if she’s staring at where I currently am?" Sophie whispers.

"It's nothing. Fine. Yes." He tells Naomi this. "Well, I figured she would be required to pay attention to the conversation while you go to the car, but apparently two things aren't allowed to happen at once here. It's not like she can do anything to you right now." To Sophie.

"Ugh, fine." Sophie runs for the car.

"So now what? I just said the answer was yes. What will you do now?" He does not move or change anything about the situation, really. (edited)

"I-" Naomi notices Sophie. "Get away from my car!" She tries to pull her away.

"Would that be a problem for you?" Well, there is a convenient way to fix this problem... He points the gun in Naomi's direction now. "This is purely for the purposes of telling you to get away from the car and nothing else."

Naomi doesn’t doubt him, and lets Sophie get into the driver’s seat. "The keys are still here. Come in the car too." Sophie.

"...Fine." He gets in the back seat behind the driver's seat specifically.

"…Don’t do this, Sam." Naomi. Sophie turns on the car.

"Just... Do something else." He doesn't change anything about the situation.

"I guess I just loved you too much, huh?" Naomi. Sophie drives the car towards Shelk. She’s not perfect at it.

"The problem is likely how you went about it. But based on everyone I've seen recently, I'm not entirely convinced there is a right way."

They’re away from Naomi now.

"...So, what now?"

"I’m not sure." Sophie continues to badly drive. "I didn’t actually finish my driving lessons. It’ll be fine, probably. The point is… Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"Well, if you want to attempt to go to the place I mentioned before, I got driven in that direction. Though, you probably don't want to drive off a cliff." He explains the directions Gordon took from what he remembers.

"Alright. Got it." She drives there. ((End chapter))